‘Not yet household names’: World Cup spotlight for next-gen Socceroos

Unlike the Matildas, these Socceroos players aren’t yet household names. But after qualifying for the World Cup it’s time for the men to take centre stage.

Mitch Duke of Australia scores the team's second goal against Saudi Arabia at King Abdullah Sports City. Picture: Getty Images

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While the Matildas players have become household names, and their World Cup performance gripped the nation, it’s now the turn of the latest generation of Socceroos.

Heather Garriock, the current interim CEO of Football Australia, said the lead-up to the men’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, would finally give Australians the best chance to get to know the men who make up the ­Socceroos squad.

“They are not yet household names these Socceroos, not like the Matildas, but we’ve got a year until the men’s World Cup – (and) there are some incredible stories in these Socceroos,” Garriock said.

“We want people to know about our Socceroos. Their journeys are inspiring.”

She cited the “incredible” story of Mohamed Toure, who was born in a refugee camp in Conakry, Guinea, to Liberian parents in 2004, later moving to South Australia. He made his second appearance for the Socceroos against Saudi Arabia, in a game Australia won 2-1 to secure their 2026 World Cup berth.

On Wednesday, the Socceroos made their sixth straight World Cup, and their coach Tony Popovic was hailed a hero.

Aziz Behich embraces head coach Tony Popovic after Australia secured their World Cup spot. Picture: Getty Images

Garriock praised Popovic’s ability to settle the team when the code was in a state of upheaval after former coach Graham Arnold’s sudden departure.

Arnold stepped down after just two matches into the Socceroos World Cup qualifying effort. They had been beaten by Bahrain and drew with Indonesia, plunging their campaign into disarray.

But Popovic’s appointment in September was a masterstroke, with the former Socceroo steadying the squad and leading the team to eight games undefeated so far.

“He has not lost a game this guy … he has brought an elite mentality to Football Australia,” Garriock said.

“To use our domestic players, local A-League players, in a system that he has played and believed in, without losing a game, is such a momentous occasion. And to qualify directly, it hasn’t been done since 2013.

“It’s incredible. The way he has done it, it’s a real turning point for us.”

Garriock praised the culture Popovic is instilling. He played for the Socceroos at the 2006 World Cup and Garriock says he brings an innate understanding of that strong team culture to today’s squad.

“But these boys are humble and grateful. When Poppa came into the squad, he said he wanted every single ­player to know and understand what it means to represent your country. He said he wanted them to be honoured and grateful – that’s the mentality he is instilling in his players,” Garriock said.

Then she added: “Belief and winning are infectious.”