Injury-hit Australia ring changes for crunch World Cup qualifiers

The Socceroos sit second in Asian qualifying Group C, behind runaway leaders Japan, on seven points with four games left. The other four teams in the group all have six points, making Australia's clash against Indonesia in Sydney next week and a subsequent match in China critically important.

They need to finish in the top two of the group to guarantee their spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America or potentially face another round of qualifying.

Popovic's hand was forced to some degree by injuries with regulars Harry Souttar, Riley McGree and Jordy Bos among five players from his last squad currently sidelined.

Among the new faces brought in are Hibernian defender Nectarios Triantis and Australian-based trio Alex Grant, Ryan Teague and Kai Trewin.

Popovic has also recalled left back Jason Davidson, a member of their 2015 Asian Cup winning side, and right back Fran Karacic, who was part of their 2022 World Cup squad.

Neither have been part of the Socceroos set-up for three years. "We understand the importance of these upcoming games and are excited by the opportunity to further cement our position in the group's automatic qualifying positions," said Popovic.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the players and getting the squad together on the pitch in preparation for what will be a great occasion at the Sydney Football Stadium."

Squad: Daniel Arzani (Melbourne Victory/AUS), Aziz Behich (Melbourne City/AUS), Brandon Borrello (Western Sydney Wanderers/AUS), Martin Boyle (Hibernian/SCO), Cameron Burgess (Ipswich Town/ENG), Anthony Caceres (Sydney FC/AUS), Jason Davidson (Panserraikos FC/GRE), Milos Degenek (FK TSC Backa Topola/SRB), Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata/JPN), Thomas Glover (Middlesbrough/ENG), Craig Goodwin (Al Wehda/KSA), Alex Grant (Sydney FC/AUS), Jackson Irvine (FC St Pauli/GER), Paul Izzo (Randers FC/DEN), Fran Karacic (NK Lokomotiva/CRO), Lewis Miller (Hibernian/SCO), Aiden O'Neill (Standard Liege/BEL), Kye Rowles (DC United/USA), Mat Ryan (Lens/FRA), Adam Taggart (Perth Glory/AUS), Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory/AUS), Marco Tilio (Melbourne City/AUS), Nectarios Triantis (Hibernian/SCO), Kai Trewin (Melbourne City/AUS), Nishan Velupillay (Melbourne Victory/AUS), Kusini Yengi (Portsmouth/ENG)