Australia has officially unveiled its squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2024, set to take place in Qatar. As the 2015 champions, Australia enters the tournament with a strong reputation, having reached the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup in 2022. In a strategic move, some veteran players from the World Cup squad have been omitted as Head Coach Graham Arnold aims to introduce a fresh generation of football talents, aligning with the nation’s pursuit of success on both continental and global stages.
Graham Arnold shared his insights on the squad, emphasizing the team’s cohesion and the infusion of new talents. “At our core, we have an extremely connected group, who have built a strong culture over many years. We’re welcoming in some new players who I think will prove fantastic additions to that,” stated Arnold. He highlighted the importance of energy and intensity in both preparation and play, elements that have become synonymous with the team’s success.
Strategic considerations have played a role in the squad selection, with an eye on the upcoming Olympic qualification in April. The squad’s age profile and experience have been carefully balanced across various positions, reflecting Arnold’s excitement about the potential within this group.
Australia squad for AFC Asian Cup 2024
Australia’s 26-member squad (along with respective clubs’ name)
- Mat Ryan [GK] (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands)
- Joe Gauci [GK] (Adelaide United, Australia)
- Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia)
- Harry Souttar (Leicester City, England)
- Kye Rowles (Hearts, Scotland)
- Cameron Burgess (Ipswich Town, England)
- Nathaniel Atkinson (Hearts, Scotland)
- Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata, Japan)
- Jordy Bos (Westerlo, Belgium)
- Aziz Behich (Melbourne City, Australia)
- Lewis Miller (Hibernian, Scotland)
- Gethin Jones (Bolton, England)
- Keanu Baccus (St Mirren, Scotland)
- Aiden O’Neill (Standard Liege, Belgium)
- Jackson Irvine (St Pauli, Germany)
- Connor Metcalfe (St Pauli, Germany)
- Riley McGree (Middlesbrough, England)
- Patrick Yazbek (Viking FK, Norway)
- Craig Goodwin (Al Wehda, Saudi Arabia)
- Martin Boyle (Hibernian, Scotland)
- Sam Silvera (Middlesbrough, England)
- Marco Tilio (Celtic, Scotland)
- John Iredale (SV Wehen Wiesbaden, Germany)
- Kusini Yengi (Portsmouth, England)
- Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne Victory, Australia)
- Mitchell Duke (FC Machida Zelvia, Japan)
The diverse and talented squad sets the stage for Australia’s campaign in the AFC Asian Cup 2024, with expectations running high for a successful tournament in Qatar.
