Alex Robertson: Representing Australia Was Never in Doubt

Alex Robertson dismisses Australia defection rumors

Australia midfielder Alex Robertson denies considering defecting from Australia despite 2-year absence from Socceroos squad. Robertson says representing Socceroos 'was never really anything that crossed my mind'.

Alex Robertson rules out playing for Scotland or Peru, commits to Australia national team...

Alex Robertson, the Cardiff City midfielder, has denied rumors he considered defecting from the Australian national team, stating that representing Australia “was never really anything that crossed my mind.” The Scotland-born player, whose father and grandfather played for Australia, had been absent from the Socceroos camp for two years, fueling speculation about his commitment.

Robertson, 22, won his last cap against Argentina in 2023 and is now looking to make a comeback under coach Tony Popovic. He has been called up for friendlies against Cameroon and Curaçao, which could be his last chance to secure a spot in the World Cup squad.

Australia's Socceroos are gearing up for their last warm-up matches on home soil before the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 and runs until July 19. Their upcoming fixtures include a match against Cameroon in Sydney on Friday, followed by a game against Curacao in Melbourne next week.

The team's coach, Popovic, had previously sparked controversy by stating that midfielder Aaron Robertson had withdrawn from selection due to a paperwork issue. Robertson is eligible to play for England, Scotland, and Peru, thanks to his mother's heritage.

Alex Robertson clarified on Tuesday that he couldn't recall specifics about the paperwork issue that kept him out of the squad, but firmly denied ever seriously considering representing countries other than Australia. “It was never really anything that crossed my mind,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to the Socceroos.

“There was never really any thought to go anywhere else. It was always Australia,” the 22-year-old told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.

“I grew up in Australia as a kid. I classed myself as ‌being Australian and couldn't really think to play for any other country than Australia.

“The rumours, I've seen a few of them, it was kind of just paper talk. It was never really anything that crossed my mind.”

As debate continues around country allegiances ahead of the World Cup, Socceroos midfielder Alex Robertson insists he's 100 per cent green & gold. He is a third-gen Australian representative, but is also eligible to play for Scotland, England & Peru | @Socceroos @10SportAU pic.twitter.com/nRHzZht4nN

— 10 News (@10NewsAU) March 24, 2026

Alex Robertson, the Cardiff City midfielder, was part of the Socceroos camp in October for friendlies against Canada and the US but didn't get any playing time. Now, he's looking to make an impact in the upcoming matches against Cameroon and Curacao, which could be his last chance to secure a spot in the World Cup squad under coach Tony Popovic.

These friendlies are crucial for Robertson, who has only two caps for Australia, both earned in 2023. A strong performance could help him overcome a two-year absence from the team and earn a place in the World Cup squad.