Socceroos coach Tony Popovic drops Irankunda, recalls Grant, Caceres for must-win World Cup qualifiers

Socceroos young gun Nestory Irankunda has been dropped while Sydney FC right-back Rhyan Grant has been handed an unexpected international career lifeline in Tony Popovic’s squad for two crunch World Cup qualifiers.

As expected, Popovic stuck with a large chunk of the squad that beat China 3-1 in Adelaide and drew 1-1 with Japan in Saitama - but there were some surprises amid eight changes for Australia’s vital clashes with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Irankunda, 18, who has been playing for Bayern Munich’s reserves but training with their first team, was left out altogether along with Keanu Baccus, who was a regular starter under Graham Arnold.

Sydney skipper Grant, 33, hasn’t played since Australia’s qualifying loss to Japan back in 2021 and last year told AAP of his international career: “I think that ship has sailed”.

But he will join Sky Blues midfielder Anthony Caceres, who could earn his first cap at 32, and 20-year-old defender Hayden Matthews, who has been called up for the first time, in camp.

Former Central Coast midfielder Max Balard’s stellar form with Dutch Eredivisie club NAC Breda has been rewarded with his first call-up.

Serbia-based defender Milos Degenek (FK Crvena Zvezda) could play his first Socceroos game since October 2023 following a rough injury run.

Hibernian attacker Martin Boyle returns after wrist surgery along with striker Kusini Yengi, who was suspended for the last window then injured at club Portsmouth.

Western Sydney Wanderers striker Brandon Borrello has been rewarded after notching two goals and two assists in his first three A-League Men games.

Second-placed Australia are on five points, five points behind Group C leaders Japan, and ahead of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on goal difference, with the top two teams qualifying directly for the 2026 World Cup.

Craig Goodwin, who is suspended for next Thursday’s game against the Saudis at AAMI Park, looms as a key player against Bahrain in Riffa (Wednesday morning AEDT).

“We’re in the early stages of this journey as a group and we’ll continue to implement the style of play that will be the foundation of our success throughout this cycle,” Popovic said.

“It’s an important series of fixtures and we’re looking forward to finishing off the year on the right note, and equally, putting on a strong performance for the people of Melbourne who have shown us such great support in recent years.”

Luke Brattan, Sammy Silvera, Thomas Deng, Daniel Arzani and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos also miss out, while Gianni Stensness is injured.

Massimo Luongo, who is yet to play minutes after an ankle injury, isn’t back, nor is the injured Connor Metcalfe.

AUSTRALIA’S SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Maty Ryan, Joe Gauci, Paul Izzo.

Defenders: Aziz Behich, Jordy Bos, Cameron Burgess, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Rhyan Grant, Hayden Matthews, Lewis Miller, Kye Rowles, Harry Souttar

Midfielders: Max Balard, Anthony Caceres, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Riley McGree, Aiden O’Neill, Patrick Yazbek

Forwards: Brandon Borrello, Martin Boyle, Mitchell Duke, Craig Goodwin, Nishan Velupillay, Kusini Yengi.