Tony Popovic names his inaugural Subway Socceroos squad

Tony Popovic Names 26-Man Squad for Subway Socceroos’ AFC Asian Qualifiers™

Subway Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic has announced a 26-man squad for Australia’s upcoming AFC Asian Qualifiers™ matches against China PR and Japan. The October FIFA Men’s International Window will be Popovic’s first in charge of the senior national team, as Australia continues its journey towards qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Australia will first take on China PR at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, October 10 (kick-off at 7:30pm local/8:00pm AEDT), followed by a clash with Japan at Saitama Stadium in Tokyo on Tuesday, October 15 (kick-off at 7:35pm local/9:35pm AEDT).

Popovic’s First International Window as Coach

Popovic’s appointment as head coach just 12 days ago has marked the start of a busy period, as he assembles his team of coaches and selects a squad ready to continue Australia’s World Cup qualification campaign. The squad includes a mix of established and emerging talent, with notable inclusions such as Massimo Luongo of Ipswich Town FC, who has returned from international retirement to join the team for this qualification cycle.

Melbourne Victory FC’s Nishan Velupillay has earned his first call-up to the senior national team and will be joined by his club teammates Daniel Arzani and Jason Geria, the latter returning to the Socceroos eight years after earning his first international cap.

South Australian Contingent Ready for Action

The squad also includes several players with South Australian connections, such as Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata), Craig Goodwin (Al Wehda FC), Nestory Irankunda (FC Bayern Munich), and Riley McGree (Middlesbrough FC). These players will be eager to perform in front of a home crowd in Adelaide.

In addition, Ajdin Hrustic (U.S. Salernitana 1919) and Gianni Stensness (Viking FK) have returned to the squad after overcoming recent injuries. Meanwhile, Jordy Bos (K.V.C Westerlo) has recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the September window.

Popovic expressed his enthusiasm ahead of the team’s upcoming matches, saying, “This is an exciting new chapter, and I’m honored to lead this talented group of players. We’re focused on setting a strong foundation for both this window and our future ambitions.”

Match Details and Ticket Information

Fans can look forward to an exciting encounter as Australia takes on China PR at Adelaide Oval. Tickets start from $15 for children, $20 for concessions, $29 for adults, and $58 for families. Tickets are available through Ticketek.

The Subway Socceroos’ AFC Asian Qualifiers™ matches will be broadcast live via Football Australia’s broadcast partner, Paramount Australia.

Upcoming Matches:

• Subway Socceroos vs China PR
  • Date: Thursday, 10 October 2024
  • Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
  • Kick-off: 7:30 pm ACDT (8:00 pm AEDT)
  • Tickets: Starting at $15 (Ticketek)
  • Broadcast: 10, 10 Play, and Paramount+
• Japan vs Subway Socceroos
  • Date: Tuesday, 15 October 2024
  • Venue: Saitama Stadium 2002, Tokyo
  • Kick-off: 7:35 pm local (9:35 pm AEDT)
  • Broadcast: Paramount+

Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the Subway Socceroos as they continue their road to the FIFA World Cup 2026™.