Luongo out of retirement and into Socceroos squad
Tony Popovic has named an extended 26-man squad ahead of Australia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan this month, featuring formerly retired Ipswich star Massimo Luongo.
The October FIFA Men’s International Window will be Popovic’s first in charge of the Socceroos, as Australia takes on China at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, 10 October and Japan at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday, 15 October.
It’s been a busy period for Popovic after assuming the role of Socceroos’ coach from Graham Arnold 12 days ago.
Veteran Ipswich Town midfielder Massimo Luongo has made himself available for selection, following his retirement from international football in late 2023. The midfielder was instrumental in the Tractor Boys' promotion to the Premier League and will re-join the national team for the remainder of this qualification cycle.
Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory FC) has been awarded his first call up to the senior national team and will be joined by club teammates, Daniel Arzani and Jason Geria, who returns to the Socceroos’ set-up eight years after earning his first international cap.
The South Australian contingent of Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata), Joe Gauci (Aston Villa FC), Craig Goodwin (Al Wehda FC), Nestory Irankunda (FC Bayern Munich), Paul Izzo (Randers FC), Riley McGree (Middlesbrough FC) and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (Motherwell FC) have all earned selection.
Ajdin Hrustic (U.S. Salernitana 1919) has been named after a recent move to the Serie B, along with Gianni Stensness (Viking FK), who has successfully returned from an ACL injury, while Jordy Bos (K.V.C Westerlo) has recovered from a minor hamstring injury that ruled him out of the September FIFA Men’s International Window.
“We’re at the beginning of an exciting journey, and it's an honour to lead this group of players,” Popovic said. “I’m eager to welcome both the players and new staff into camp as we come together for the first time.
"This October window offers a great opportunity to showcase a vast improvement, both in our desire and in the quality of our play.
“This time in camp will be crucial as we lay the foundations that will not only help us succeed in this window but set the tone for our future ambitions."
