Melbourne Victory is proud to confirm that Ryan Teague, Nishan Velupillay and Daniel Arzani have been named in the Socceroos squad ahead of the FIFA Men’s World Cup Qualifiers.
An ever-present through the 2024/25 A-League season, Ryan Teague is rewarded for his consistent excellence across the midfield with a first national team call up, with the hope of making his senior international debut.
Nishan Velupillay will return to the squad for his third consecutive window, having worked his way back to full fitness after sustaining an ankle injury late last year against Saudi Arabia alongside teammate Daniel Arzani who will be back in the green and gold for the first time since October 2024.
Head Coach, Tony Popovic has named an extended 26-player squad ahead of Australia’s AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 fixtures, with Australia currently sitting second in Group C with four fixtures remaining in Round Three qualifying, having most recently shared the points with Saudi Arabia (home) and Bahrain (away) in matches held in November 2024.
Melbourne Victory Director of Football John Didulica is proud to see three players from the club selected for one of the most important international weeks in recent history.
“Nish, Ryan and Daniel have worked tirelessly over recent seasons and we have no doubt they will make Australia proud if given the opportunity,” Didulica said.
“For Victory, to have three players selected for one camp is historic and a recognition of the selfless work of our coaches and staff in supporting our players. None of the players selected were regular internationals before joining the club, so it’s a testament to the excellent work of the players, coaches and staff.”
Holding a hometown advantage for their first match against Indonesia, Sydney born Ryan Teague said he was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the national team under Head Coach Tony Popovic.
“I’m super proud, it’s a proud moment for me and also my family,” Teague said.
“I’m really grateful to not only my teammates, but also the Club as the support I have around me has allowed me to get to a level where I’ve been able to earn a place with the Socceroos right now so it’s about taking this moment and living in it. I’m really looking forward to the experience.”
Australia will face Indonesia at Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney on Thursday 20 March before travelling to Hangzhou, China, to take on China PR at Hangzhou Sports Park Stadium on Tuesday, 25 March.
Scheduled to be played from September 2024 to June 2025, the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 features three groups of six teams playing in a home-and-away, round-robin format, offering direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ for the top two finishers of each group.
MATCH DETAILS:
Subway Socceroos v Indonesia
Thursday, 20 March 2025
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
China PR v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday 25 March 2025
Hangzhou Sports Park Stadium, Hangzhou
Kick-off: 7.00pm local / 10.00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Paramount+
