Cristian Volpato Australia: Socceroos Squad, FIFA Clearance, World Cup 2026

Volpato joins Socceroos camp days after McGree World Cup injury blow

Australia get good news with Cristian Volpato switching to the Socceroos. The Italy U20 ex-international joins LA camp after Riley McGree was ruled out of World Cup with hamstring injury.

Cristian Volpato has changed association to Australia after receiving release from Italy. The dual citizen, born in Sydney, becomes eligible for Socceroos once FIFA approves his paperwork...

Former Italy U20 international Cristian Volpato has chosen to play for Australia. Football Australia confirmed Friday that the 22-year-old will join the Socceroos training camp in Los Angeles ahead of the World Cup.

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Born and raised in Sydney with dual citizenship, the attacking midfielder currently plays for Sassuolo in Serie A.

He had previously turned down Australia. This time the situation is different, with Football Australia confirming the change.

“Once cleared, ‌Volpato will be eligible to officially represent the Socceroos,” the governing body said in a statement.

Furthermore on Volpato, while he’s ultimately rejected Australia previously, he hasn’t been completely dismissive of the @Socceroos. And this has been coming.

There was correspondence with Football Aus officials as far back as two years ago where he said he was genuinely keen.… https://t.co/PQQmgW7SZx

— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) May 29, 2026

The timing helps Australia. Riley McGree was ruled out of the tournament days earlier with a hamstring injury picked up for Middlesbrough in England.

Tony Popovic will announce his final 26-man squad on Monday. The tournament runs June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Australia face Turkey, the USA, and Paraguay in the group stage. They start their campaign against Turkey in Vancouver on June 13.