Fresh Faces Could Save the Socceroos
The Socceroos are shaking things up, and four new players might be just what they need to get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track. Right now, Australia’s in a spot to automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but things are still up in the air with two big games coming up this month. New Blood to Save the Socceroos.
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The Socceroos have been struggling a bit in the third round of qualifiers, with only one win and four draws. Because of this, they’re in a tight spot, only one point ahead of last-place China in their group. With matches against Indonesia and China on the horizon, coach Tony Popovic has had to get creative with his squad due to injuries, bringing in six players who could make their debut. Out of those, four are getting their first call-up to the Socceroos camp, and they could be the key to turning things around for Australia.
Nectar Triantis: The Swiss Army Knife of Defense
- Club: Hibernian (Scottish Premiership)
- Age: 21
- Position: Centre-back/Central-midfielder
- Appearances (Goals) this season: 27 (3)
Nectar Triantis has become a really important player for Hibernian since joining on loan from Sunderland. He started out as a centre-back, but the 21-year-old has also been great as a defensive midfielder, showing how flexible he is. He’s a beast physically, which makes him tough to get past on defense, and he’s also good with the ball, so he can chip in on offense too. New Blood to Save the Socceroos.
With the Socceroos dealing with some defensive injuries, Popovic might stick Triantis in the midfield—something he’s already tried with guys like Luke Brattan and Anthony Caceres. With how well he’s been playing lately and how adaptable he is, Triantis could be just what the Socceroos need to get some stability.
Ryan Teague: The Creative Midfielder
- Club: Melbourne Victory (A-League Men)
- Age: 23
- Position: Central-midfielder
- Appearances (Goals) this season: 25 (4)
Ryan Teague’s been playing so well for Melbourne Victory that China, who he’s eligible to play for because of his mom, has taken notice. To keep him from joining another team, Popovic put Teague on the squad, but it’s also because he can bring some much-needed creativity to Australia’s midfield. New Blood to Save the Socceroos.
With four goals and two assists this season, Teague’s shown he can make plays happen. The Socceroos haven’t had a super creative midfield since Ajdin Hrustic left and Aaron Mooy retired, and Teague could be just the guy to fill that void. He might not start if Popovic decides to go with three defenders in the back, but he could come off the bench and really make a difference against tired defenses.
Kai Trewin: The Defensive Wall
- Club: Melbourne City (A-League Men)
- Age: 23
- Position: Centre-back
- Appearances (Goals) this season: 19 (1)
Kai Trewin is getting a shot because of the Socceroos’ defensive injury issues. But he’s earned it after a solid season with Melbourne City. He’s known for being a rock on defense, winning 4.87 duels and making 1.41 interceptions every 90 minutes in the A-League this season.
He’s not just a defender, though. He can also pass the ball well, averaging 66 passes and 5.81 long balls per game. Being able to move the ball out of the back could be key for Australia when they’re up against teams that like to pressure a lot. He usually plays in a back four with his club, but he might be able to adjust to a three-man defense with Jason Geria and Cameron Burgess on the national team.
Alex Grant: The Seasoned Vet
- Club: Sydney FC (A-League Men)
- Age: 31
- Position: Centre-back
- Appearances (Goals) this season: 4 (1)
At 31, Alex Grant might have thought he’d missed his chance with the Socceroos, but he’s been playing so well since joining Sydney FC mid-season that he got a surprise call-up. With key defenders like Harry Souttar and Hayden Matthews out with injuries, Grant brings some seriously valuable experience to the team.
Unlike Triantis and Trewin, Grant is more of a classic defender, focusing on stopping the other team rather than moving the ball up the field. His size and strength could be huge on both defense and offense, especially on set pieces. He hasn’t played as much as some of the other defenders, but his experience could be really important, especially if he comes in late to help Australia hold on to a close lead.
Bottom Line
With Australia’s World Cup hopes on the line, these four new guys could bring the energy and strategy that coach Popovic needs. Whether they start or come off the bench, they bring a mix of youth, flexibility, creativity, and experience. As the Socceroos get ready for those big games against Indonesia and China, how these guys play could decide whether the team makes it to the 2026 World Cup.
