Paul Okon-Engstler named in Socceroos squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia

The son of a Socceroos great has been named in the national squad for Australia’s World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic says surprise inclusion Paul Okon-Engstler “deserves” his spot in the national squad for Australia’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia.

The 20-year-old son of Socceroos great Paul Okon, currently an assistant coach of the national team, impressed last week at a national training camp in the UAE, with the uncapped midfielder – who is on the books of Portuguese club Benfica – rewarded with squad selection for Thursday night’s game in Perth against Japan and the June 11 (AEST) battle with the Saudis in Jeddah.

Popovic said Okon-Engstler was also a standout in the Young Socceroos team that won this year’s AFC Under-20 Asian Cup.

“He was outstanding in that tournament, (so) we brought him into the UAE camp just open-minded to see the level of the young man.” Popovic said.

“Physically, he certainly was very capable. He hasn’t had a lot of minutes at Benfica, but the training that he’s getting there has really helped him, and he deserves to be here, so we’re delighted for him.”

📋 Tony Popovic's squad for the Subway #Socceroos' June #FIFAWorldCup Qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia is here! 👊

🗞️ Details: https://t.co/YL3ijudg8B#WAtheDreamStatepic.twitter.com/4Iz1H8lIax

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) June 1, 2025

However, while there was delight for Okon-Engstler, there was despair for another uncapped midfielder in Max Balard, who missed out on selection despite also being in the UAE camp after a strong season with Dutch club NAC Breda.

“He’s had a very good year. That’s why he was in camp. He’s a prospect,” Popovic said. “Maxy knows exactly how we feel about him, and I’m sure he’ll go away and start the new season at NAC Breda full of confidence, and we hope to see him keep improving.”

There was also no room in the squad for Johnny Warren medallist, Aberdeen-bound attacking weapon Nicolas Milanovic, who another player in the UAE.

“We had him in camp, so that was a great reward for the young man that has a great season in terms of performances, also gets the player of the year, gets a move to Aberdeen … so I’m really happy for the young man, and I’m sure he would have taken a lot away from that camp moving forward,” Popovic of the former Western Sydney Wanderers star.

“I think he can improve significantly.”

Also missing from the squad is striker Kusini Yengi, who has paid the price for a lack of football, former A-League prodigy Nestory Irankunda, and injured trio Craig Goodwin, Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay.

The squad does include six players from Saturday night’s A-League grand final.

Champions Melbourne City will be represented by defenders Aziz Behich and Kai Trewin, as well as winger Marco Tilio.

Injury prevented a fourth City player – Joe Marston Medal winner Mathew Leckie – being chosen.

The contingent from losing grand finalists Melbourne Victory are playmaker Daniel Arzani, midfielder Ryan Teague and uncapped left-back Kasey Bos.

Socceroos left-back Aziz Behich celebrates Melbourne City’s A-League grand final win. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

Parma defender Alessandro Circati also makes his Socceroos return after recovering from a knee reconstruction.

“We’re delighted to have him. He’s played two consecutive (Italian Serie A) games for Parma. We didn’t expect to have him, so we weren’t planning on having him in the squad,” Popovic said.

“We anticipated September would be the earliest moment to have him back, but once he played those two games and he got through it, we saw the opportunity to bring him in … (for) the last few days of the camp.

“He looks well. Game fitness is not quite there, but we’re happy to have him and feel he can certainly contribute.”

Popovic said his squad was ready to “embrace this challenge”, with the Australians a chance to seal 2026 World Cup qualification in these two games.

“We’ve put ourselves in a good position within the group to be in control of our destiny,” Popovic said.

“We are ready to embrace this challenge with great respect of our opponents, though full of belief and confidence to achieve our goal of automatic qualification.

“We’ve had the opportunity to work with a large group of these players in a training camp … which has been extremely beneficial both on and off the pitch.

“I look forward to welcoming the remainder of the squad into camp in Perth.”

Socceroos: Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Kasey Bos, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Mitchell Duke, Joe Gauci, Jason Geria, Paul Izzo, Riley McGree, Connor Metcalfe, Lewis Miller, Paul Okon-Engstler, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan, Mohamed Toure, Adam Taggart, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Kai Trewin, Patrick Yazbek.

Originally published as Paul Okon-Engstler named in Socceroos squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia