Alessandro Circati

Alessandro Circati is a centre-back named in Tony Popovic's 29-man provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup, ahead of Australia's final 26 due by 1 June. Born in Fidenza, Italy, the Parma defender is 22 and came through Perth Glory and Parma's academies before establishing himself with the Socceroos. He has 11 caps and one international goal, scored against Curacao in March 2026, and is listed in the defender group.

If he is confirmed, the tournament would be his first senior World Cup. Australia were drawn in Group D with Turkey, the United States and Paraguay, opening against Turkey at BC Place in Vancouver on 13 June. Popovic's side qualified through the AFC route and set up in a 3-4-3 with a back three. Circati's place is in the preliminary squad, to be confirmed when the final 26 is named.

Circati is a tall, ball-playing centre-back, comfortable on the ball and strong in the air. That blend of composure in possession and aerial presence suits Tony Popovic's three-man defence, where a defender who can carry the ball out is an asset.

He came through the Perth Glory and Parma academies before establishing himself at senior level. Still early in his international career, he captained the side as a young deputy in 2025, becoming the youngest Australia captain since 1981.

A tall centre-back comfortable in the air and on the ball, Circati gives Australia a composed, ball-playing option who can step out of defence with it or head it clear. If he features, his composure in possession fits his defender profile in Popovic's back-three squad.

Australia rank in Tier 4 at £10m, one of the more affordable team picks within the game's £200m card budget, with a Group D campaign ahead.