Paul Okon-Engstler has earnt a World Cup berth, something his father – one of Australia’s greatest ever players – never achieved.
Marco Monteverde
Socceroos midfield Ajdin Hrustic’s first World Cup was shackled by an injury-interrupted lead in, but as his second approaches, he is welcoming the role of experienced veteran to the squad’s younger cohort.
Ben Smith
As Joondalup product Cameron Burgess prepares to represent the Socceroos at the World Cup, former Glory boss Kenny Lowe says the towering defender’s journey has been defined by grit and determination.
They may have only been there for a few days, but the Socceroos are going to be many Oakland locals’ second team at the World Cup as the city pro sports deserted welcomes its new guest.
Teenager Lucas Herrington is considered the future of the Socceroos’ defence; 33 year-old Jason Geria an elder statesman among the group. Yet their roads to their first World Cup have been very different.
A trio of Serie A greats have lauded Perth-raised Socceroos centre-back Alessandro Circati ahead of the rising star’s debut FIFA World Cup.
One of the Socceroos’ most seasoned defenders remains in “awe” of the experience of being at a FIFA World Cup.
Striker Tete Yengi has arrived at his first-ever World Cup without playing a single minute for Australia, carrying his injured brother’s dream on his shoulders.
Australia's first opponents at the World Cup, Turkey, have scored a thumping warm-up win, while another Group D opponent in Paraguay announced their squad.
Staff Writers
At the last World Cup, Mathew Leckie helped the Socceroos defy expectations to qualify for the knockout stages for just the second time in history. Four years on, he does not see why they cannot do the same.
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic does not want to dampen expectations and is adamant his 26-man Australia team for the FIFA World Cup does not just ooze future potential, but can be good right now.
Tony Popovic’s tenure as Socceroos coach has been defined by loyalty, defensive fortitude, consistency and delivery in big moments. His World Cup squad speaks true to exactly those traits.
An equal-record three West Australians are heading to the FIFA World Cup after Perth products Alessandro Circati, Cameron Burgess and Jacob Italiano were named in Tony Popovic’s 26-man Socceroos squad.
It may not have been a full-blooded reality check, but the Socceroos have been given food for thought after their opening World Cup warm-up game ended in a 1-0 defeat to Mexico.
The Socceroos will face a huge parochial pro-Mexico crowd in their friendly match, but defender Harry Souttar can't wait.
Anna Harrington
Serie A attacking midfielder Cristian Volpato has sensationally committed his international future to Australia on the World Cup’s eve - and Socceroos boss Tony Popovic sees only upside.
As the Socceroos target FIFA World Cup history, The West Australian will be there every step of the way with their most in-depth coverage in 16 years.
The West Australian
Italy-based attacker Cristian Volpato is set to join up with the Socceroos in the US as coach Tony Popovic prepares to cut his World Cup squad in coming days.
Anna Harrington & Nicholas Zorbas
Alessandro Circati admits the thought of representing Australia at a World Cup didn't even seem possible, but now the young star could be days away from realising his dream.
James Palumbo
A West Australian ex-Socceroo and a former Perth Glory teammate say Daniel Bennie’s positive attitude, versatility and physicality will give him every chance to snare a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad.
Perth’s Jacob Italiano is one step closer to realising a World Cup dream which looked like a long shot just nine months ago after joining the Socceroos’ pre-tournament training camp.
Former Perth Glory young gun and Socceroos bolter Daniel Bennie is determined to put his best foot forward as the 20 year-old seeks a surprise FIFA World Cup call-up.
A Newcastle Jets star who was born in Australia will represent New Zealand at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Two WA players have headlined the next wave of Socceroos arrivals in America for their pre-World Cup training camp - including an uncapped former Perth Glory young gun.
