Australia adds Cristian Volpato to 2026 World Cup squad

Football Australia has confirmed that midfielder Cristian Volpato will represent the Australian national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finalizing a switch in international allegiance from Italy. The announcement came on Friday, just days before Australia must submit its final 26-man squad for the tournament.

The 22-year-old, who holds dual citizenship and was born and raised in Sydney, had previously represented Italy at the under-19 and under-20 levels. He had declined an invitation to play for Australia at the 2022 World Cup and, as recently as this March, indicated a preference to wait for a senior call-up from Italy. Football Australia stated it has now received an official release letter from the Italian Football Federation and submitted the required documents to FIFA for a change of association. Final approval from the governing body is pending.

Volpato is expected to join the Australian training camp in Los Angeles immediately. The national team, known as the Socceroos, is preparing for a friendly match against Mexico in Pasadena, California, this weekend. Head coach Tony Popovic must name his final World Cup roster by Monday.

The decision provides a significant and...