FIFA World Cup bound for our NSW stars following Socceroos triumph

The Socceroos’ qualification for their sixth successive World Cup was once again supported by a large New South Wales-bred contingent, with 10 of the 26-man squad developed by Football NSW clubs.

The standout NSW-born player was Mat Ryan, who captained the Socceroos to victories over Japan and Saudi Arabia to secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Saudi Arabia was the standout game for the Blacktown City junior, where he celebrated his 100th cap – becoming just the third Socceroo to do so – with a penalty save in the 85th minute, to keep the scoreline at 2-1 in favour of Australia.

Ryan wasn’t the only New South Wales player who excelled against Saudi Arabia, with Mitch Duke (Liverpool Rangers SC) playing a direct part in both goals, assisting the first and scoring the second.

Meanwhile, another Blacktown junior in Milos Degenek played every minute in both qualifiers, excelling at the heart of Australia’s defence, while Lewis Miller started both matches.

Ryan Teague (Maroubra United FC) and Patrick Yazbek (Austral Soccer Club) also played important roles on the field, with the two combined playing every minute against Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Teague and Yazbek played a half each in the Socceroos’ 1-0 victory over Japan, before Yazbek started in Saudi Arabia, being replaced by Teague late into the second half.

Anthony Caceres (Marconi Stallions), Daniel Arzani (Coogee United) and Marco Tilio (APIA Leichhardt & Sydney Olympic) also played off the bench, while a debut looks to be coming soon to 20-year-old midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler  (Marconi Stallions).

We also cannot forget the Head Coach Tony Popovic. “Poppa”, born in Fairfield, spent his youth football developing at Sydney Croatia (now known as Sydney United 58) before continuing his journey as a player abroad.

View all New South Wales-developed Socceroos part of the June squad, and their junior clubs below.