World Cup Qualifiers: Australia Announces Squad For November, Mathew Ryan Returns
Australia’s squad for November World Cup qualifiers is revealed, featuring Mathew Ryan’s return and new talents. The Socceroos face Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in key matches.
Australia has shared its squad for the November international break. The Socceroos will play Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in important World Cup qualifiers. These matches are part of the FIFA Men’s International Window. Australia aims to secure its place in the qualifying stages.
The Socceroos will first play against Saudi Arabia on Thursday, November 14, at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Then, they will go to Bahrain to play on Tuesday, November 19, at the Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa. These games are very important as Australia is second in Group C of the Third Round of World Cup Qualifiers. They have five points from four games.
Mathew Ryan and the New Players in the Squad
Mathew Ryan, the experienced goalkeeper from AS Roma, is back in the squad. His return is very important because he brings a lot of skill and leadership. The team will depend on him in these big matches.
New faces like Max Balard from NAC Breda and Hayden Matthews from Sydney FC are also in the squad. Both are getting their first call-ups. Balard has been playing well in the Netherlands, and Matthews joins Sydney FC teammates Rhyan Grant and Anthony Caceres in the national team.
Coach Tony Popovic’s Plans for the Future
Tony Popovic, the coach of the Socceroos, sees this break as a chance to keep building momentum. The team had a good October, winning against China PR and drawing with Japan.
“We are still early in our journey as a group. We are working on the style of play that will help us win,” said Popovic. He wants the team to finish the year strong and give the Australian fans a great performance, especially in Melbourne where they have a lot of support.
Australia’s Squad for November Matches
Australia’s squad has a good mix of experienced players and new talent. Mathew Ryan is back, and fresh players like Max Balard and Hayden Matthews are joining the team, ready for the challenge ahead.
Goalkeepers:
- Joe Gauci (Aston Villa FC)
- Paul Izzo (Randers FC)
- Mathew Ryan (AS Roma)
Defenders:
- Aziz Behich (Melbourne City)
- Jordy Bos (K.V.C Westerlo)
- Cam Burges (Ipswich Town)
- Milos Degenek (FK Crvena Zvezda)
- Jason Geria (Melbourne Victory FC)
- Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC)
- Hayden Matthews (Sydney FC)
- Lewis Miller (Hibernian FC)
- Kye Rowles (Heart of Midlothian FC)
- Harry Souttar (Sheffield United)
Midfielders:
- Max Balard (NAC Breda)
- Anthony Caceres (Sydney FC)
- Ajdin Hrustic (U.S. Salernitana)
- Jackson Irvine (FC St. Pauli)
- Riley McGree (Middlesbrough)
- Aiden O’Neill (Standard Liège)
- Patrick Yazbek (Nashville SC)
Forwards:
- Brandon Borrello (Western Sydney Wanderers FC)
- Martin Boyle (Hibernian FC)
- Mitchell Duke (FC Machida)
- Craig Goodwin (Al Wehda FC)
- Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory FC)
- Kusini Yengi (Portsmouth FC)
Conclusion
Australia’s squad for November is a strong mix of experience and new players. Mathew Ryan’s return and the inclusion of new talent like Max Balard and Hayden Matthews show that Coach Tony Popovic is focused on both winning now and planning for the future. With big World Cup qualifying matches ahead, the Socceroos are ready to face Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as they continue their journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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