Cristian Volpato Joins Australia's World Cup Roster Following National Switch

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Cristian Volpato has been named to Australia's World Cup team just days after he announced his decision to change national allegiance from Italy. This marks a notable turn of events for the 22-year-old, who previously declined an invitation to join the Socceroos ahead of the 2022 tournament.

Coach Tony Popovic revealed the 26-man squad on Monday, with Volpato and striker Tete Yengi being selected for their first World Cup. Long-time captain Mat Ryan, boasting 104 international appearances, and veteran Mathew Leckie will both appear in their fourth World Cup, matching the record set by Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan.

“A range of factors has gone into selecting this final World Cup squad,” Popovic stated. “Some difficult decisions had to be made … but it’s also a credit to all the players involved who worked extremely hard during an extended and challenging pre-camp.” He also acknowledged those who contributed to Australia’s World Cup qualification but did not make the final squad.

Volpato, who previously played for Italy's Under-21 team, was eligible to represent Australia under FIFA regulations since he had not yet played in a competitive match for Italy's senior squad. Italy's national team, meanwhile, did not qualify for the World Cup, which will take place in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

After joining the Socceroos camp in Los Angeles just over the weekend, Volpato was unable to take part in the team's recent 1-0 warmup defeat against Mexico in Pasadena. Australia is set to face Switzerland in another warmup match on Saturday, ahead of their Group D matches against Turkey in Vancouver on June 13, the United States in Seattle six days later, and Paraguay in Santa Clara on June 25.

Australia squad: Goalkeepers: Mat Ryan, Patrick Beach, Paul Izzo. Defenders: Aziz Behich, Jordan Bos, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Lucas Herrington, Jacob Italiano, Harry Souttar, Kai Trewin. Midfielders: Cameron Devlin, Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe, Mathew Leckie, Paul Okon-Engstler, Aiden O’Neill. Forwards: Ajdin Hrustic, Nestory Irankunda, Awer Mabil, Mohamed Toure, Nishan Velupillay, Cristian Volpato, Tete Yengi.