Cristian Volpato’s dramatic last-ditch switch from Italy to Australia has been rewarded with selection for the World Cup before the attacker even makes his Socceroos debut.

Sassuolo playmaker Volpato, who switched allegiances from Italy to Australia just days ago, headlines Australia’s 26-man squad along with 25-year-old uncapped striker Tete Yengi, while skipper Mat Ryan and veteran Mathew Leckie head to a fourth World Cup.

Volpato and Yengi join 15 other players in the group who could play their first World Cup games, including 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington, while Ryan and Leckie will equal Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan as the only Australian players to go to four men’s World Cups.

“A range of factors has gone into selecting this final World Cup squad,” coach Tony Popovic said.

“Some difficult decisions had to be made; that’s the nature of major tournaments. But it’s also a credit to all the players involved over the past few weeks, who worked extremely hard during an extended and challenging pre-camp.”

It was heartbreak for veteran Martin Boyle, defender Kye Rowles, forward Brandon Borrello and goalkeeper Joe Gauci, who were all cut by Popovic.

“I’d like to acknowledge the players who contributed to our direct World Cup qualification but are not part of this squad. Their contribution should not be forgotten,” Popovic said.

“Our focus now shifts to finalising our preparations for the upcoming friendly against Switzerland and for our World Cup group matches.”

The Socceroos play a friendly against Switzerland in San Diego on Saturday, then group games against Türkiye, the United States and Paraguay.

Volpato, 22, only arrived in camp on Saturday morning, local time, too late to feature in that night’s 1-0 loss to Mexico, after switching his allegiance.

Volpato rejected Graham Arnold’s pitch to join Australia’s 2022 World Cup squad, then in March said he was waiting for a call-up from Italy’s senior team, before his change of heart.

Yengi, the younger brother of fellow Socceroo Kusini Yengi, was selected despite not playing against Mexico.

Harry Souttar and Leckie made the squad after their first Socceroos appearances since 2024 against Mexico.

Rowles, a starter in 2022, missed out, as did Boyle, who was injured ahead of Qatar and again falls agonisingly short of reaching a World Cup.

AAP/ABC