Defender Hayden Matthews pulled out of Australia's Socceroos pre-World Cup training camp in Florida on May 20 after suffering an ankle injury [1, 2]. The injury has dealt a significant blow to Matthews' hopes, with selectors now considering his chances of playing in the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, effectively over [1, 2].
To replace Matthews, Australia called up 18-year-old uncapped centre back Dylan Leonard from German club Schalke 04 for his first senior squad selection [1, 2]. Leonard is among 12 new additions who joined the training squad in Sarasota, Florida. Among the returnees to the squad is defender Gianni Stensness, who rejoined the camp for the first time since October 2024 [1, 2].
These new arrivals joined 19 players already in camp as coach Tony Popovic prepares to select the final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1, 2]. Additional players called up from overseas clubs include Cameron Devlin, Martin Boyle, Ante Suto, Jacob Italiano, Jason Geria, Milos Degenek, Aiden O'Neill and Jordan Bos [1, 2].
Australia is grouped with Turkey, the United States and Paraguay for the group stage of the tournament [1, 2]. The team’s preparations continue at the Florida camp as Popovic works towards finalising his squad ahead of the June 11 tournament opener.