Feature
A sixth straight finals appearance finds Australia leaning on a battle-hardened core while a clutch of young attackers add bite on the break. Under Tony Popovic they've grown harder to break down, and the prize on their minds is a first-ever knockout win. The catch: this is a side in transition, light on marquee names, and Popovic is keen to bury the underdog label that still clings to them.
Australia are into the last 32. Job done in the group, and now the tournament really begins — one-and-done from here, every match a final.
Jackson Irvine
The midfield heartbeat and on-field leader the Socceroos build around.
Nestory Irankunda
The young spark leading a counterattack that can hurt anyone given space.
Tony Popovic
The new coach who toughened the team in qualifying and wants to ditch the underdog tag.
Age profile
Club homes
Melbourne City3
FC St. PauliDefenders
New York City FC2
Randers FC2
Albirex Niigata1
Castellón1+15 more clubs
25 Other · 1 Bundesliga
Experience
The most-capped head in the squad — Melbourne City.
Who's getting on the scoresheet.
