Popovic has spoken about giving the 2022 World Cup hero every chance to put his case forward for World Cup selection, given the leadership role he plays for Australia and the influence he has on the defensive unit. In 2022, a similarly disrupted preparation did not hamper his outstanding tournament.
But Souttar’s return from fitness now turns a hypothetical into something a little more serious, with at least one or two players used frequently by Popovic to be potentially squeezed out of the final World Cup squad.
That pressure has also been exacerbated by Lucas Herrington’s remarkable rise; the teenager, who received a glowing endorsement during his international debut in the FIFA Series, has returned to Major League Soccer with Colorado Rapids and continued to turn heads, even if he had a few learning moments against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in front of the second biggest crowd in MLS history recently.
So, what happens now?
In a 26-man squad, if Popovic takes two players for every position then there will be six central defenders and four wingbacks in the squad with, arguably, the more versatile players making stronger cases for themselves.
Who is locked in?
Alessandro Circati, Cameron Burgess, Jordan Bos and Aziz Behich would all appear to be certainties, with the former two potentially forming an impressive central defensive trio with Serie A and Championship form.
Circati is a long term captaincy option and one of the first men named on the team sheet, while Burgess has been a pillar of consistency in the Championship this season. He didn’t start in the FIFA Series; whether that was to audition the other candidates or is a reflection of his place in the pecking order, time will tell.
Bos scores cracker on his wrong foot for Feyenoord
All but certain
Jacob Italiano, Milos Degenek
Italiano leapt to the front of the right wingback queue with his performance in the FIFA Series but was being shielded by his club last week. He was back in the XI with another 90 minute performance on the weekend.
“This morning Jacob Italiano was sidelined, you have to say it like that – not that he’s injured, or tired,” Grazer coach Ferdinand Feldhofer told Sky Sport Austria, translated from German last weekend.
“We know he has a big event coming up in the summer.
“(We need to) be careful. This puts a strain on the mind – the greatest risk, then consulting with others, and that’s why (he was left out).”
Degenek is much loved by Popovic and is regularly vocal in his passion for the Socceroos – but, in a blow to his build-up to the tournament, has not featured for his club since 16 March, left out of APOEL Nicosia’s squad entirely this weekend in Cyprus.
🗣️ “If you’re not content with what you feel inside to come play for Australia, then you shouldn’t be here.”
We asked Milos Degenek about players picking between the Socceroos and other countries.
His answer was epic. pic.twitter.com/72lpr3TZB8
— Football360.com.au (@football360au) November 13, 2025
That prompted a cryptic Instagram story post overnight, followed by an image of him playing against the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah, Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi.
The graphic said: “Never trust words. Some people have sugar on their lips but venom in their hearts.”
Fortunately for the veteran, Popovic has exalted his leadership qualities throughout his tenure and he has said he is prepared to pick players who have done the job for him even if their club scenario isn’t optimal.
Sliding doors
Harry Souttar, Lucas Herrington
This is a positive selection headache to have that suddenly creates a position logjam. One injury plagued first XI star, one youngster – can you afford to take both? Prime Souttar and Herrington would be one heck of a combination but how do you balance a veteran lacking game time and a kid who could be anything, but is still only in his teens, amongst your central defensive cohort?
That’s what Popovic will likely be weighing up right now.
With the likes of Circati and Burgess, the Socceroos’ defensive stocks aren’t as thin as last time, so the reliance on Souttar doesn’t need to be as desperate – but there’s no question he is worth taking a risk on and starting.
If Popovic feels like he can throw Herrington in the deep end – be it in the XI, or as depth, you sense, he’ll take him.
Harry Souttar celebrates his return. Photo: Getty Images
The final equation: who misses out?
Jason Geria, Kye Rowles, Kai Trewin
There’s going to be World Cup heartbreak for whoever is squeezed out, especially if it is Rowles, who has been ever present in the Socceroos squad in recent years, and started at the 2022 tournament, while Geria has been a mainstay during Popovic’s tenure. Neither has put a foot wrong when called upon.
All three are durable, versatile players, which works in their favour but Lewis Miller’s injury has added extra scrutiny on right wingback – a position Trewin was tried in during the FIFA Series.
Previously called up
Callum Elder is likely the next in line for left wingback role but has two established Socceroos ahead of him while Fran Karacic’s bad luck with injury has opened the door for Italiano and Trewin to leap ahead of him. Hibs’ versatile Jack Iredale or Portsmouth youngster Hayden Matthews are two of the next cabs off the rank, and both could be a shot at the extended train-on squad as well, while Manchester United’s James Overy was sensationally called up last year before having made a first team appearance.