Socceroos begin crucial phase of 2026 FIFA World Cup build-up—which players will make the selection cut?

The first eight Australian players will arrive in Sarasota, Florida this week as the Socceroos begin a crucial pre-tournament training camp ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Read more Betr Gets Back to 10% Margin, but the Turnaround Still Has Gaps

Harry Souttar (Leicester City), Hayden Matthews (Portsmouth), Anthony Caceres (Macarthur FC), Mitchell Duke (Macarthur FC), Brandon Borrello (Western Sydney), Nick D’Agostino (Brisbane Roar), Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory) and Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City) will all travel to the USA this week.

More Socceroos are expected to arrive as their current club duties come to an end, before the train-on squad relocates to Los Angeles for a friendly against World No.15 Mexico at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday, May 30.

Head coach Tony Popovic is expected to use the Sarasota training camp to assess an extended number of players in a train-on squad before naming his final 26-player World Cup squad on June 1.

MORE: Schedule, roster and more to know about Australia for 2026 World Cup draw

“I am looking forward to departing for the United States this week to begin our FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations, starting with our pre-camp in Sarasota,” Popovic told the media on Monday.

Read more Jaylen Brown calls out Joel Embiid ‘flopping,’ officiating in Celtics vs. 76ers: ‘They clearly had an agenda’

“There is still a lot to play out, most league seasons are ongoing and we continue to monitor a large number of players as we enter this critical period for selecting our final squad. 

“The aim is to have as many players as possible available and in contention before finalising our World Cup squad, we are required to make that decision by June 1 and that remains the most important day from a selection perspective.”

The Socceroos play their final friendly against World No.19 Switzerland at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on June 7 before beginning their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Group D opponents Türkiye in Vancouver on June 13 (June 14 AEST).

📋 CONFIRMED: Eight players will arrive in Sarasota, Florida this week for the CommBank #Socceroos’ pre-training camp as preparations begin ahead of the #FIFAWorldCup.

Tony Popovic’s final 26-player FIFA World Cup 2026™ squad is due to be announced on June 1.

📰 Details:… pic.twitter.com/B9Lo8k4F5d

Read more Rabbitohs star facing extended stint on sidelines in injury blow

— CommBank Socceroos (@Socceroos) May 4, 2026