Socceroos Call Up Seven A-League Stars

As Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic prepares his squad for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, he’s called on seven top performers from the Isuzu UTE A-League, underscoring the league’s rising influence on the national team.

Sydney FC’s Anthony Caceres and Hayden Matthews headline the selection, marking Matthews’ first-ever national team call-up and a career milestone for the 32-year-old Caceres. Their teammate, Sydney FC captain Rhyan Grant, also returns to the Socceroos lineup for the first time since 2022, bringing leadership and experience to Popovic’s side.

Melbourne Victory also sees two of its key players, forward Nishan Velupillay and defender Jason Geria, rewarded for their standout performances in the opening weeks of the 2024-25 season. Velupillay’s agility in attack and Geria’s resilience in defense have earned them the coveted green and gold call-up.

Western Sydney Wanderers’ star forward Brandon Borrello returns to the national squad with confidence after scoring two goals and providing two assists in his first three league matches this season. Meanwhile, Melbourne City captain Aziz Behich brings his extensive experience to fortify the Socceroos’ backline for the upcoming fixtures.

Completing the call-ups is former Central Coast Mariners midfielder and two-time A-League champion Max Balard, who makes his Socceroos debut following an impressive season start with Dutch club NAC Breda. His versatility and consistency have made him a valuable asset in midfield.

Popovic is enthusiastic about the team’s evolving style and the challenges ahead. “We’re in the early stages of this journey as a group, and we’ll continue to implement the style of play that will be the foundation of our success throughout this cycle,” he said. “It’s an important series of fixtures, and we’re looking forward to finishing off the year on the right note with strong performances for the fans in Melbourne.”

Caceres and Matthews Reflect on Call-Up

For Caceres, this selection is the culmination of years of hard work in the A-League. Known for his consistency and creativity in midfield, Caceres is eager to seize this opportunity. “It’s a huge honour to be called into the Socceroos, especially for two critical games. I’ll give everything I’ve got for my country,” he told Sydney FC media. “It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was young, and I’m ready to help us qualify for the World Cup.”

Twenty-year-old Hayden Matthews, a rising talent from the Sydney FC academy, has become a key figure in Ufuk Talay’s defense since his debut last season. The young defender’s journey has not been without challenges; after overcoming two serious injuries, he’s now achieved a career highlight with this Socceroos call-up. “Representing Australia is a dream come true,” Matthews said. “This year has been incredible, and I’m so grateful to Sydney FC and everyone who has believed in me.”

Upcoming Matches

With the Socceroos currently in second place in Qualifying Group C, these matches hold immense importance for their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Australia faces Saudi Arabia on November 14 in Melbourne’s AAMI Park, followed by a match against Bahrain on November 20 at the Bahrain National Stadium. Both games will be broadcast on Network 10, 10 Play, and Paramount+.

Match Details:

Australia vs Saudi Arabia

• Date: Thursday, 14 November

• Kick-off: 8:10 pm AEDT

• Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne

Bahrain vs Australia

• Date: Wednesday, 20 November

• Kick-off: 5:15 am AEDT

• Venue: Bahrain National Stadium

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