World Cup 2026: Uncapped Yengi and Volpato make squad

Livingston striker Tate Yengi and former Italy Under-21 winger Christian Volpato have been named in Australia’s 26-man squad for the World Cup despite the under-optimized pair being late additions to Tony Popovich’s pre-tournament training squad.

But 41-times capped Hibernian forward Martin Boyle is one of those left out.

Livingston loaned Yengi to Japanese club Machida Zelvia in January despite his parent club struggling to avoid relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

But the 25-year-old caught the eye of Popovich after scoring six goals in 22 games as his new side finished third in Japan’s eastern region – and reached the final of the Asian Champions League.

Meanwhile, the world governing body FIFA Sassuolo approved the decision of 22-year-old Volpato To switch on Friday.

Former Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Matt Ryan, now at Levante, and Melbourne City striker Matthew Leckie are set to equal the national record by being selected for a fourth World Cup.

Former Dundee United left-back Aziz Behich, now of Melbourne, and ex-Hull City midfielder Jackson Irvine, now on their third spell at St Pauli’s.

Meanwhile, Heart of Midlothian midfielder Cammy Devlin and Aberdeen-born Leicester City centre-half Harry Souter, whose brother John is in the Scotland squad, are among the second selections.

Also included are Swansea City centre-half Cameron Burgess, Watford winger Nestory Irankunda, Norwich City striker Mohamed Toure.

Popovich said: “Some tough decisions had to be made – that’s the nature of major tournaments.

“But it’s also a credit to all the players involved over the last few weeks who have worked extremely hard during an extended and challenging pre-camp.”

Former Hearts defender Kye Rawls, now with DC United, was a late addition to the training squad but was not a final pick.

Australia face Switzerland in their final pre-tournament friendly on Saturday before kicking off their finals campaign against Turkey on June 14.