Sri Lankan-origin Nishan Velupillay included in Australia’s World Cup squad
June 1, 2026 05:43 pm
24-year-old Sri Lankan-origin Nishan Velupillay has been named in Australia’s 26-member squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nishan Velupillay who was born to a Malaysian father of Sri Lankan descent and an Anglo-Indian mother, made headlines during the World Cup qualification stage.
After an impressive qualification campaign, which included scoring on his international debut against China, Nishan Velupillay is expected to play a key role for the Socceroos at the World Cup scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11.
Meanwhile, barely a week after pledging his international allegiance to Australia, former Italy youth international Cristian Volpato has also been named in the squad heading to the World Cup.
The attacking midfielder now has a chance to immediately push for a starting role, especially in light of an injury to Riley McGree which ruled the Middlesbrough forward out of head coach Tony Popovic’s squad.
Australia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers
Patrick Beach
Paul Izzo
Mathew Ryan
Defenders
Aziz Behich
Jordan Bos
Cameron Burgess
Alessandro Circati
Milos Degenek
Jason Geria
Lucas Herrington
Jacob Italiano
Harry Souttar
Kai Trewin
Midfielders
Cameron Devlin
Ajdin Hrustic
Jackson Irvine
Connor Metcalfe
Paul Okon-Engstler
Aiden O’Neill
Forwards
Nestory Irankunda
Mathew Leckie
Awer Mabil
Mohamed Toure
Nishan Velupillay
Cristian Volpato
Tete Yengi
(With Agencies inputs)
