Overview
- Football Australia announced on Friday, May 29, 2026, that Sydney‑born Cristian Volpato has chosen to represent Australia and has been added to the Socceroos’ 30‑player train‑on group in Los Angeles.
- FA said it received a formal release from the Italian Football Federation and has filed change‑of‑association paperwork with FIFA, with official eligibility dependent on FIFA granting that clearance.
- Coach Tony Popovic must decide whether to include Volpato in the final 26‑man World Cup squad before the early‑June roster deadline, so FIFA’s clearance will directly affect selection.
- Volpato’s arrival provides an attacking option after Riley McGree’s tournament‑ending hamstring injury and he could feature in upcoming warm‑up matches if cleared to play.
- Volpato is a 22‑year‑old attacking midfielder who played for Roma and now Sassuolo and has youth caps for Italy, which under FIFA rules allows a one‑time switch because he has no senior competitive appearances.