Popovic: World Cup squad taking shape, Mexico clash becomes final test

Australia men’s national team head coach Tony Popovic has revealed from the training base in Sarasota, Florida that the 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup is close to being finalized. With the June 1 submission deadline just around the corner, the team is preparing for its final warm-up match against one of the co-hosts, Mexico, a fixture that will serve as the last key piece in determining the final roster.

During the penultimate training session in Sarasota, Popovic welcomed eight newly added players. The squad is scheduled to complete its final training session of the camp on Thursday at IMG Academy before traveling to the West Coast, where they will face Mexico on Saturday at the Rose Bowl—host of the 1994 World Cup final. The head coach expects the final squad to be confirmed within hours after the match, in line with FIFA regulations.

Popovic outlined the core philosophy behind squad selection, emphasizing versatility and professionalism to achieve an optimal squad structure. “We have a number of players who are able to adapt to multiple positions,” he said. “The selection process is about building a balanced group that can respond flexibly to different match situations. This work is now in its final stages, and the squad will soon be announced.” He also noted that the match against Mexico will be an important competitive test, potentially offering some players minutes to assess their form, although the overall structure is already largely settled.

However, an injury crisis has cast a shadow over the selection process. Several players, including expected starter Riley McGree, along with Patrick Yazbek, Nicholas D’Agostino, Hayden Matthews, and Lewis Miller, have all been ruled out of the camp due to injury. Popovic acknowledged that injuries are a constant challenge in coaching. “Long-term injuries have always been something we need to manage, but by bringing in fresh players we have effectively improved the depth of the squad. Overall, we are satisfied with how the camp has progressed.”

The Sarasota training camp has been viewed as a crucial part of World Cup preparation. Popovic highlighted that the decision to assemble early was a unique strategy, made possible because many players had already finished their club seasons by late April and early May. This created opportunities for players who might otherwise have missed out on contention. He referenced a successful pre-tournament camp in Abu Dhabi last June, which preceded the team’s successful qualification campaign. “From the Abu Dhabi experience, we learned that even players without recent match rhythm can still play important roles in decisive matches,” he explained. “That is why we continued with this approach. With the support of the federation, this camp has produced positive results and given more players a chance to push for selection.”

Popovic concluded that the camp has not only significantly improved the team’s physical condition but also ensured they are well prepared for the demands of the World Cup. With the final squad imminent, the team is fully focused on the last warm-up match, aiming to test tactical structures and make final adjustments.