Nishan Velupillay expressed his immense gratitude for the countless sacrifices made by his family on the journey to representing the Socceroos on the world’s biggest stage.
Set to kick off their 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup campaign this Sunday against Türkiye at 2pm AEST, Australia will be determined to get off to the best possible start in Vancouver.
After their trip to Canada, the Socceroos will return to the States to face the hosts, USA, on June 19th, and Paraguay in their third and final group stage fixture on June 25th.
Following his selection to Australia’s 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup squad, Nishan Velupillay tried to put the ecstatic feeling of hearing the news that he made the team into words.
“You always think about these things, but once they become a reality, it’s a different feeling. I’m really happy and just ready to go.
“To make an appearance in the World Cup and to help this team would be a dream come true. Obviously, I’m an attacking player, and if I can contribute with a goal or assist, or an action that helps the team, I think it’ll make the country and my family proud.”
Keeping himself grounded and remembering those who have supported him along the way, the 25-year-old certainly made it clear that he will be playing with his family in mind.
“A lot of days where they’re driving you to training and they come back from long, hard days of work and they’re willing to put your dream first, I’m forever grateful for that.
“If I can repay them with a World Cup appearance, I’m sure they’ll be happy with that.”
Leading out the team this June, Socceroos and former Victory Head Coach Tony Popovic spoke highly of Velupillay following his stint off the bench against Mexico.
“There was a moment last night in the game where he won a duel on the halfway line, and he powered away from the players… I think that was a sign that at this level, that he can actually make an impact.
“We always call him a bit of a hybrid, because he plays well between the lines, but he also likes to run in behind when it’s a high line.”
In charge of the Boys in Blue for three seasons, memorably leading the Club to Australia Cup glory in 2021, Popovic is also joined by two more names that have a special place in the hearts of any Vuck faithful in the Socceroos’ World Cup camp.
Brought to the Club in 2022, goalkeeper Paul Izzo spoke on Popovic’s influence on his trajectory while in Melbourne, since pushing his way into the national team setup after thriving for Randers in the Danish Superliga.
“(Tony Popovic) made me realise the standards and what it takes to be a professional footballer at the elite level… I’m very grateful to have worked with him in a few clubs now, because he does get the best out of me.”
With 189 league appearances to his name in navy blue, experienced defender Jason Geria will have the opportunity to represent Australia in a major tournament for the first time, expressing his excitement at that prospect in the lead-up to World Cup squad selection.
“It feels surreal, honestly. When this campaign started at the end of 2024, it’s something that’s in the back of your mind, but there’s still a lot of distance, so it didn’t feel too real back then.
“But then, as qualifying goes on and we qualify in the way that we did… it does start to build up, and it does start to become more tangible. You’re very close to achieving something that you’ve dreamt of for so long.”
Watch Nishan Velupillay’s full press conference ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup below.
