World Cup squad revealed: 17 Isuzu UTE A-League prospects to help Australia chase another trophy

Adelaide United quartet Luka Jovanovic, Pangiotis Kikianis, Jonny Yull and Fabian Talladira have all kept their places as has new Newcastle Jets attacking midfielder Alex Badolato after he was named tournament MVP in China.

Moving to Sydney FC on a three-year deal during the off-season captain Paul Okon-Engstler joins Sky Blues Tiago Quintal and fellow new signing Rhys Youlley in the squad while Brisbane Roar’s Lucas Herrington and Nathan Amanitidis are also included.

Melbourne Victory have three players called up for the pre-camp with Josh Inserra, off-season signing Sebastian Esposito and goalkeeper Daniel Graskoski all named while Melbourne City striker Max Caputo is joined in the travelling party by new City signing Liam Bonetig.

Completing the Isuzu UTE A-League contingent heading to South America will be Perth Glory defender Zach Lisolajski and Macarthur Bulls goalkeeper Alexander Robinson.

The 17 Isuzu UTE A-League-based players selected for FIFA U20 World Cup:

Adelaide United: Luka Jovanovic, Pangiotis Kikianis, Jonny Yull, Fabian Talladira
Brisbane Roar: Lucas Herrington, Nathan Amanitidis
Macarthur Bulls: Alexander Robinson
Melbourne City: Max Caputo, Liam Bonetig
Melbourne Victory: Josh Inserra, Sebastian Esposito, Daniel Graskoski
Newcastle Jets: Alex Badolato
Perth Glory: Zach Lisolajski
Sydney FC: Paul Okon-Engstler, Rhys Youlley, Tiago Quintal

“We have built a great deal of self-confidence through the experiences gained in multiple tournaments along the way and we have a great belief and culture within this squad.

“Winning the Asian Cup was crucial for the team as it allowed the group to do two key things.

He added: “The team has the chance to compete at a World Cup and play the very best from around the world in the under 20 age bracket and it has raised the team’s expectations of the performances they can deliver.

“We are looking forward to assembling the group in camp and working hard together to prepare for what is an amazing opportunity for the playing group and the entire team.”

Friendship Cup in Switzerland, while midfielder Louis Agosti will leave Italian side SSD Dolomiti Bellunesi to link-up with his teammates.

Macarthur Bulls trio Oliver Randazzo, Frans Deli and Dean Bosnjak have not been selected in the squad whilst Sydney FC goalkeeper Gus Hoefsloot, Melbourne City forward Medin Memeti and Perth Glory’s Adam Bugarija will also miss out.

Staying loyal to the squad which defeated Saudi Arabia 5-4 on penalties to clinch the Asian Cup title back in March, overall Morgan has selected 17 of the players who brought the trophy back to Australia earlier this year.

However Morgan will be forced to omit two players before the tournament begins, with the overall squad size limited to just 21-players.

MATCH SCHEDULE – FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP CHILE 2025

Italy v Australia
Date: Sunday, 28 September 2025 / Monday, 29 September 2025 (AUS)
Time: 5.00pm (local) / 6.00am (AEST)
Venue: Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander, Valparaíso, Chile

Argentina v Australia
Date: Wednesday, 1 October 2025 / Thursday, 2 October 2025 (AUS)
Time: 8.00pm (local) / 9.00am (AEST)
Venue: Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander, Valparaíso, Chile

Australia v Cuba
Date: Saturday, 4 October 2025 / Sunday, 5 October 2025 (AUS)
Time: 8.00pm (local) / 10.00am (AEST)
Venue: Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago, Chile

COMMBANK YOUNG SOCCEROOS 23-MAN SQUAD