NSW to the World Cup: Six Local Products ready for 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup

New South Wales has once again stamped its mark on the global stage, with six players named in the Socceroos 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup squad boasting strong ties to the state from grassroots clubs through to elite NPL pathways.

From suburban pitches to the world’s biggest tournament, each player’s journey reflects the strength of football development across NSW, with local clubs continuing to play a crucial role in shaping Australia’s next generation of international stars.

Among them is Patrick Beach, born in Sydney, who developed through Glenmore Park, Mt Druitt Town Rangers, and Marconi Stallions before progressing to the Central Coast Mariners, where he featured in the NPL between 2021 and 2023.

Beach also progressed through the Football NSW Talent Support Program, where he worked closely with goalkeeper coach David Plowright. Reflecting on Beach’s journey, Plowright said his rise to the Socceroos squad was built on resilience, self-improvement and a team-first mentality.

“The stand-out trait from Patrick for me as a coach, from his youth days through to now becoming a senior Socceroo, is the growth mindset he has displayed throughout his career,” Plowright said.

“His development has certainly not been linear and he has shown remarkable maturity when dealing with setbacks, whether that was being overlooked for teams or not playing in his desired age-group during his time in the NPL. Even through those disappointments, Patrick always put the team first, looked to support his fellow goalkeepers and treated every challenge as an opportunity to learn and improve. His coachability and intrinsic motivation to keep getting better are major reasons why he is now on the verge of a FIFA World Cup.”

Fellow goalkeeper Maty Ryan, born in Plumpton, also rose through the NSW system, playing youth football with Marconi Stallions and Blacktown City before launching his professional career in 2010.

Defender Milos Degenek, born in Croatia but raised in Australia from 2000, represents another strong NSW pathway story. He developed through Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Blacktown City, and the NSW Institute of Sport, before advancing through the AIS and moving overseas in 2012.

Midfielder Cameron Devlin also climbed through the NSW ranks, progressing through Sutherland Sharks before moving into A-League football with Western Sydney Wanderers and later Sydney FC.

Attacker Paul Okon-Engstler, born in Belgium but raised in Australia, featured in NSW systems including Marconi Stallions and Western Sydney Wanderers before continuing his development abroad.

Meanwhile, creative attacker Cristian Volpato, born in Abbotsford, came through the youth setups at Sydney United 58, Sydney FC, and Western Sydney Wanderers before making the move to Italy in 2020.

Together, the six players underline the strength and depth of football development in New South Wales with NPL clubs and grassroots programs continuing to serve as critical stepping stones to the international stage.

And it’s not just the players, the NSW influence runs right through to the top.

Head coach Tony Popovic, born in Sydney, also carries a strong NSW football legacy. A proud former Socceroo with 58 international caps, Popovic came through the youth ranks at Sydney Croatia (now Sydney United 58), where he also represented the club in the old NSL at senior level before embarking on a distinguished professional and coaching career.

As the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup approaches, NSW’s influence on the Socceroos squad stands as a powerful reminder that world-class talent is being built right here at home.