Socceroos Kick Off World Cup Prep with Florida Training Camp

Australia head coach Tony Popovic has officially ignited the Socceroos' World Cup 2026 campaign, naming an initial eight-man "train-on" squad to begin preparations in Sarasota, Florida. The early assembly is a strategic move designed to sharpen players who have faced injury setbacks or lacked consistent minutes during their club seasons.

The preliminary group is heavily featured by A-League talent looking to secure their spots on the plane for the global showpiece. Veteran attacker Mathew Leckie and towering defender Harry Souttar headline the list, bringing vital experience to the camp. Joining them from the domestic circuit are Macarthur FC’s Mitch Duke and Anthony Caceres, Brisbane’s Nick D’Agostino, Western Sydney’s Brandon Borrello, and Melbourne Victory’s rising talent Nishan Velupillay.

Popovic emphasized that the Florida camp is about maintaining momentum. "We felt that if we gave them a week or two off, they would fall behind," Popovic explained, noting that the intensive sessions will allow these individuals to press their claims before the final roster is finalized. By utilizing the facilities in Sarasota, the coaching staff aims to ensure the squad is physically primed to compete at the highest level as the countdown to the FIFA World Cup begins in earnest.