The Socceroos face their moment of truth against Egypt at 4am on Saturday AEST.
A win, a loss and a draw from the group games was enough for them to advance to the sudden-death stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and for us to rate all the players whoā€™ve taken the field for them so far at the tournament.
18. Patrick Beach (goalkeeper)
Thrown into the fire against Turkey, the Melbourne City custodian has played every minute since. Two clean sheets from three matches is a superb record, and heā€™s worked well with his defence as well, despite having played just a handful of games for his country before this tournament. 8
16. Aziz Behich (left wingback)
A tireless servant of the Socceroos, Behich came off the bench in the first game, sat out the second and then started and stood tall against Paraguay as Jordy Bos moved to the right side. Fair chance he could start against Egypt given Bos starred. 7
3. Alessandro Circati (centre back)
If the big clubs hadnā€™t noticed him in Serie A, heā€™s on their radar now. Right up with Australiaā€™s best, and has grown as the tournament goes deeper. It feels like he has a goal in him as well, if he can find the moments to push forward. 8.5
19. Harry Souttar (centre back)
Not only has he captained the side on the park, heā€™s led the defence, and done it all after two seasons decimated by injuries. Heā€™s world-class and has shown it. The next challenge is for the dead-ball takers to find his head from a corner or free kick. 7.5
25. Lucas Herrington (centre back)
Teenage prodigy who had to bide his time but then barely put a foot wrong in the pressure-cooker of the Paraguay game. Looked like he had played at this level for years. His agility looks a good match for Egypt, but Socceroos coach Tony Popovic could also look to Geria or Burgess. 7
3. Jordan Bos (right wingback)
Started a little slow despite big wraps going into the tournament, but was stellar against Paraguay when switched to the right. You can see shades of Gareth Bale or Arjen Robben, and its possible full-speed Jordy Bos could be as damaging as either of them against Eygpt. 8
13. Aiden Oā€™Neill (midfield)
In a midfield that has got younger, Oā€™Neill has been so, so dependable, playing all 306 minutes and offering a constant presence in front of the defence. He does have some playmaking talents too; if he has the chance to create, he will take it. 7.5
22. Jackson Irvine (midfield)
Would have been hurting to come off the bench early on, but has done every job asked of him. Gave the team some drive in the Paraguay game, but with Okon-Engstler freshened up, it will be a difficult selection call for Popovic to decide who starts and who comes on late. 7
8. Connor Metcalfe (midfield)
Dream opening match with a goal against Turkey, and should have started against USA. Taking a boot to the face last game would have hurt, but seems primed for more success this tournament and beyond. 7.5
20. Cristian Volpato (midfield)
Locked in with Australia on the eve of the Cup, his individual skills have shone, especially in the game against Paraguay, which he almost tore open with his play alongside Bos on the right. I wish he was in this side 12 months ago as chemistry with teammates is the only thing restricting his impact. 7
17. Nestory Irankunda (striker/midfield)
Won fans around the world with his goal against Turkey and Tim Cahill-inspired celebration, but has struggled when playing without great mate Mohamed Toure the past two games. It really feels like those two lift when playing together. Time will tell if Popovic teams them up in either the first or second half against Egypt. 8
9. Mohamed Toure (striker)
Had to do much of the heavy work against Turkey and the USA, which left only a few chances for him to show his speed and striking skills. But those who underestimate the Norwich City striker will regret it. Would love to see him recalled for Egypt, if only to reduce some pounding that would otherwise go to Irankunda and Volpato. 7
21. Cameron Burgess (defence)
Was stoic in the Turkey match and copped the most unfortunate of own-goals against USA before Herrington took his place in the side. The former EPL defender will continue to front up and can still play a key role against Egypt, but that may be as a second-half sub. 7.5
6. Jason Geria (defence)
The Socceroos Mr Reliable, even if he is playing a role off the bench. Took over right-back duties against Turkey and played in the back three against USA as the Socceroos went on the attack in the second half. An invaluable player who could be called upon to play key minutes if Bos has to come off or Behich needs a break. 7
23. Nishan Velupillay (forward/midfield)
The Melbourne Victory man has shone for Popovic in Asian qualifiers and was thrown into the starting role against USA in a red-hot Seattle. While he was among several players who struggled that day, reducing Irankunda and Metcalfeā€™s minutes in the sweltering heat will result in them being fresher for Paraguay and now Egypt. 7
24. Paul Okon-Engstler (midfield)
One of the shock starters against Turkey, but hasnā€™t let the team, or his famous name, down. Okon junior has used his height and determination to great effect. After playing off the bench last time, should be fresh and ready to fire in Dallas. 6.5
10. Ajdin Hrustic (midfield)
Popovic pulled him from the bench into the action against Paraguay, and he almost created a goal for Tete Yengi. Left-sided creator who can replace Volpato when he is exhausted. Looks back to his threatening best. 6.5
26. Tete Yengi (striker)
Used his big frame to make room for Metcalfe to run in for his goal against Turkey and should have scored late against Paraguay. Yengi is an intriguing, but raw, prospect who remains a danger, if Popovic can find minutes for him. 6.5
Injured
5. Jacob Italiano (defender)
Italiano was immense in the Turkey win, despite being under attack for almost every minute on the pitch before another hard-working display in the loss to USA. Heartbreaking that he injured his groin in training and is out for the rest of the tournament. His absence led to Bos thriving at right wingback against Paraguay, but Italiano will be missed against Egypt and beyond. 7
7. Matthew Leckie (midfielder/forward)
Veteran Socceroo who recovered from injury this season to make the squad and started against USA before leaving the field with a hamstring injury. Copped some criticism for not performing as well as others had against Turkey but as other teamā€™s stars tire, Leckieā€™s minutes in the daytime heat of Seattle reduced the exposure of Irankunda and Metcalfe to a longer stint in the heat. Leckie has been ruled out of the tournament. For a long-time national team servant, he deserves so much better but that is sport. 5.5
Yet to play: 1. Maty Ryan (GK), 2. Milos Degenek (D), 11. Awer Mabil (F), 12. Paul Izzo (GK), 14. Cameron Devlin (M), 15. Kai Trewin (D).
Roy Ward is a sports writer, live blogger and breaking news journalist. He’s been writing for The Age since 2010.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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