Australia has just announced its squad for the 2022 World Cup, which kicks off in less than two weeks in Qatar.
For a fifth successive tournament, the Socceroos are heading to the football’s biggest tournament, with the boys in green and gold hoping to get out of the group stage for the first time in 16 years.
But it was far from an easy road to reach the finals, as the Aussies only narrowly qualified after dramatically beating Peru 5-4 in a penalty shootout back in June.
WATCH: The Moment Australia Qualified For The 2022 FIFA World Cup
Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold is relying on a mix of exciting young talent and experienced veterans to give Australia the best chance of success this year.
Two victories against New Zealand were an encouraging sign for Arnold’s men, but a shaky qualifying campaign meant all spots in the Socceroos squad were realistically up for grabs.
Australia will be hoping to top their best performance of a Round of 16 exit to Germany in 2006, in the competition this year. But, in order to do so, they will need to get through Group D, a tough draw featuring defending champions France, Denmark and Tunisia.
Australia does have some experience with these teams, as they were drawn to play against France and Denmark in the 2018 World Cup, along with Peru, but failed to get a win. Let’s just hope history doesn’t repeat itself.
So, which players will we see in the 26-man squad when we tune in in this month? Read on as DMARGE gives you the full breakdown of all the players who made it on the plane to Qatar.
Goalkeepers
Mathew Ryan is the obvious choice between the sticks. He is Australia’s captain and having played all over the world from Valencia to Brighton, he’s the experienced cool head that the Socceroos need.
Andrew Redmayne was the hero against Peru back in June, brought on especially for the penalty shootout. If he doesn’t also deserve a spot on the plane, I don’t know who does.
Central Coast Mariners’ keeper Danny Vukovic managed to grab the last available goalkeeping spot for the Soccerroos this year.
However, a number of fans are mad that Mitchell Langerak was not selected for the squad. The long-time Australian keeper came out of international retirement ahead of the tournament, which left many fans and pundits frustrated that he was left out the final 26.
Selections
| Name | Club | Position |
| Mathew Ryan | Copenhagen | GK |
| Andrew Redmayne | Sydney FC | GK |
| Danny Vukovic | Central Coast Mariners | GK |
Defenders
Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold has gone for a mix of experienced and young players for his defence.
Bailey Wright and Miloš Degenek are tried-and-tested options at centre back which warranted their selection in the squad.
Other experienced players include World Cup veteran Aziz Behich, but a rather glaring omission is long-time Australian centre back Trent Sainsbury. The defender, who plays for Qatari club Al-Wakrah, was sent home early from training camp against New Zealand, which led many to speculate he was a sure-fire addition to Graham Arnold’s squad.
However, the return of young defenders Harry Souttar and Kye Rowles may be the reason for this. The pair returned from injuries in the weeks leading up to the World Cup and have been favoured over Sainsbury.
Thomas Deng, who captained Australia in their 2-0 victory against Argentina at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is another versatile option that can play at both centre- and wing-back in Qatar.
Nathaniel Atkinson, Joel King and Serie-B player Frank Karačić are also impressive young prospects who will bolster Australia at right- and left-back.
Selections
| Name | Club | Position |
| Nathanial Atkinson | Heart of Midlothian | RB |
| Fran Karačić | Brescia | RB |
| Miloš Degenek | Columbus Crew | CB |
| Thomas Deng | Albirex Nigata | CB |
| Bailey Wright | Sunderland | CB |
| Harry Souttar | Stoke City | CB |
| Kye Rowles | Heart of Midlothian | CB |
| Aziz Behich | Dundee United | LB |
| Joel King | OB | LB |
Midfielders
Soccerroos Head Coach Graham Arnold has gone light on the midfielders, only choosing six to come on the plane to Qatar.
As predicted, the Socceroos have looked to experienced midfielder Aaron Mooy to be their talisman in Qatar. Jackson Irvine also impressed in the first friendly against New Zealand. These guys were both shoe-ins.
Adjin Hrustic also showed impressive form in Europe over the last several years, tasting Europa League success with Eintracht Frankfurt last season. It would have been very shocking were he to have not been on the plane to Qatar.
Young guns Riley McGree and Keanu Baccus both impressed when given their opportunity for the national team, and can provide a youthful injection of energy to Australia’s midfield.
Rounding off Graham Arnold’s selection is Cameron Devlin, who made his Socceroos debut in 2022. He might be the defensive steel that Australia needs to hold down the defence against their tricky group stage opponents.
However, there were also some big names left off the team sheet.
Denis Genreau has been playing regular football at a high level for Toulouse in Ligue 1, thus it’s fairly surprising he was left off the list.
Also, one of Australia’s most recognisable players Tom Rogic is not in the Socceroos team this year. The former Celtic star has played very little for domestic club West Bromwich Albion and pulled out of decisive qualifiers against UAE and Peru for personal reasons. He had a chance to get in on name-value, but fell short for Qatar.
Selections
| Name | Club | Position |
| Cameron Devlin | Heart of Midlothian | CDM |
| Keanu Baccus | St. Mirren | CDM |
| Aaron Mooy | Celtic | CM |
| Jackson Irvine | St. Pauli | CM |
| Riley McGree | Middlesborough | CAM |
| Adjin Hrusitc | Hellas Verona | CAM |
Forwards
Two recent debutants may clearly caught the eye of coach Graham Arnold in the games against the All Whites.
The first, Scotland-born Jason Cummings who scored a penalty in Australia’s 2-0 victory against New Zealand and might just be the striker Australia need to put away their chances this year. He just needs to remember his passport this time if he makes it on the plane to the World Cup!
The second, 18-year-old Garang Kuol, stole all the headlines after the match, for his dangerous contributions in attack off the bench. He is a wildcard that Socceroos fans will be very happy is coming to Qatar.
More experienced players such as Matthew Leckie, Martin Boyle and Jamie Maclaren were all shoe-ins to make the squad. Unfortunately, Adam Taggart did not do enough for Arnold in recent months to book his ticket this November.
Pacey winger Awer Mabil and Mitchell Duke both scored goals against New Zealand in September warranting their selection.
Daniel Arzani was Australia’s prodigal star at the 2018 World Cup, but despite only being 23 years old, he did not make Graham Arnold’s final 26 after a tricky few years.
Selections
| Name | Club | Position |
| Martin Boyle | Hibernian | RW |
| Jason Cummings | Central Coast Mariners | FW |
| Garang Kuol | Central Coast Mariners | FW |
| Jamie Maclaren | Melbourne City | FW |
| Mitchell Duke | Fagiano Okayama | FW |
| Awer Mabil | Cadiz | LW |
| Mathew Leckie | Melbourne City | LW |
| Craig Goodwin | Adelaide United | LW |
Possible Starting XI for the Socceroos at the 2022 World Cup
Matt Ryan dons the captain’s armband in this hypothetical Socceroos World Cup starting XI.
Nathanial Atkinson and Joel King provide youthful pace at right-and left-back. A mix of Australia’s old and new guard, Bailey Wright and Harry Souttar will hold the defence from the centre.
The midfield contains the experienced and skilful three of Aaron Mooy, Jackson Irvine and Adjin Hrustic.
Finally, the two wingers Martin Boyle and Awer Mabil support Jason Cummings surging at striker.
Australia XI (4-3-3): Ryan, Atkinson Wright, Soutar, King, Mooy, Irvine, Hrustic, Boyle, Mabil, Cummings
If this doesn’t come thorugh, we’ll eat our shoes.
Read Next