Behich, Mabil and Velupillay return to Socceroos squad for March friendlies

[p]Australia's 2026 World Cup preparations step up a gear in a week or two when the side hosts [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/cameroon/zk1uVG2D/"]Cameroon[/a] at Sydney's Accor Stadium on March 27 and World Cup debutants [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/curacao/bLLGpOkQ/"]Curaçao[/a] at Melbourne's AAMI Park on March 31.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/herrington-lucas/4ApZ8wCi/"]Lucas Herrington[/a] ([a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/colorado-rapids/jmBZNRn8/"]Colorado Rapids[/a]), [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/suto-ante/MceLODUb/"]Ante Suto[/a] ([a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/hibernian/f5Fnxcx4/"]Hibernian[/a]) and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/juric-deni/Sb3wQ9CI/"]Deni Juric[/a] (Wisla Plock), the latter of whom was in Australia's November camp only to depart with injury, will all be pushing for their maiden international caps across the two-game series, which will also involve [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/china/f5AvIXD3/"]China[/a]. [/p][p]A-League duo [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/velupillay-nishan/fahbBTEI/"]Nishan Velupillay[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/behich-aziz/pnjldJ6K/"]Aziz Behich[/a] have also been recalled to the squad with a host of other former representatives such as Jordy Bos, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/hrustic-ajdin/phFkXFtU/"]Ajdin Hrustic[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/circati-alessandro/x0EJsbc8/"]Alessandro Circati[/a].[/p][p]“[b]These are our last matches before our World Cup pre-camp, and we have considered a variety of factors in selecting this squad,[/b]" head coach Tony Popovic said in a press release on Thursday.[/p][p]“For many this camp is another opportunity to represent the Socceroos. However, we have also included new faces, as this is our final chance to see players first-hand before our World Cup camp. [/p][p]“[b]Representing our country is always an honour for both the players and the staff. We want to put on strong performances. [/b][/p][p]“While every game matters, these matches are crucial – they serve as a farewell to our fans and an opportunity for them to see the team one last time before we head to the United States. [/p][p]“[b]We appreciate the fantastic support we receive in Australia. Our fans really got behind us during the qualifying campaign, and we look forward to being back on home soil.[/b]” [/p][h2]Socceroos squad to play Cameroon and Curaçao:[/h2][p][b]Goalkeepers[/b]: Patrick Beach, Paul Izzo, Mathew Ryan[/p][p][b]Defenders[/b]: Aziz Behich, Jordan Bos, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Fran Karacic, Lucas Herrington, Kai Trewin[/p][p][b]Midfielders[/b]: Ajdin Hrustic, Connor Metcalfe, Riley McGree, Aiden O’Neill, Alexander Robertson, Paul Okon-Engstler, Patrick Yazbek, Jacob Italiano[/p][p][b]Forwards[/b]: Martin Boyle, Nestory Irankunda, Awer Mabil, Nishan Velupillay, Deni Juric, Ante Suto[/p]