Melbourne City star Mathew Leckie has been named in the final 26-player Socceroos squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with the selection set to place him among Australian football’s most distinguished World Cup representatives.
Alongside Socceroos shot-stopper Mat Ryan, Leckie is poised to equal the national record held by Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan, underlining his remarkable longevity and contribution to Australian football across more than a decade on the international stage.
The selection marks another significant milestone in a distinguished career that has seen Leckie represent Australia at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil (2014), Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022), where he etched his name into Socceroos folklore with the winning goal against Denmark that secured Australia’s place in the knockout stages.
Now 35, Leckie heads to North America after helping drive Melbourne City’s success across recent seasons, bringing a wealth of experience, leadership and big-match pedigree that will be invaluable for Tony Popovic’s side as they prepare to take on the world’s best.
The City vice-captain’s selection comes after an injury-interrupted campaign that tested the resilience of one of Australian football’s most respected figures. After undergoing hip surgery and spending an extended period on the sidelines, Leckie worked tirelessly to return to full fitness and force his way back into national team contention.
That determination was on full display in Melbourne City’s Elimination Final against Auckland FC, where Leckie produced a standout 120-minute performance before calmly converting his penalty in the shootout. Despite City’s heartbreaking exit, the display served as a timely reminder of his quality and enduring influence.
“I felt pretty good out there. It was a disappointing result, but it was really good for my body to get through that, and I’ve come out better for it,” Mathew Leckie said.
Leckie admitted the road back from injury had been challenging but never doubted his ability to return to the highest level.
“It’s been a frustrating time … but I guess I’ve just always had the mentality that I could get back. Without injury when I’m out there, I’m still capable to be in good shape.
“I don’t feel like I’m slowing down in any way, and the key has been to try to stay fit. I’ve still got a lot to give when I’m fit.”
No stranger to football’s biggest stage, Leckie made his World Cup debut in 2014 and has since become one of the most decorated and respected players of his generation.
He helped Australia lift the AFC Asian Cup on home soil in 2015, playing every match in the tournament, and has starred throughout three World Cup campaigns.
After spending 10 seasons in Germany, he returned home to join City ahead of the 2021/22 campaign. The year of his famous World Cup winner against Denmark also saw him lift the Premiers Plate with City and be unveiled as one of three nominees for the prestigious AFC Player of the Year award.
More recently, he played a heroic, match-winning role in securing the 2025 A-League Championship with City, earning the Joe Marston Medal as the best player on the pitch despite overcoming several injuries.
Despite his achievements, Leckie isn’t taking his latest World Cup opportunity for granted.
His most recent Socceroos appearance came against Palestine in June 2024, making his return to the national team setup all the more rewarding after a lengthy injury battle.
“I’m very fortunate to be here after the injuries that I’ve had, lucky in a way to be back at this time and not be injured in this period and also that I’ve even been given the opportunity to be here,” Leckie said.
“I’ve really put my head down in this camp and tried to work hard and do everything right to give myself a chance.
“I’ll put my hand up to help any way the boss thinks I can. I’ve trained in a few positions since in camp.”
As Leckie prepares for what will be his fourth FIFA World Cup, he joins City teammates Aziz Behich and Patrick Beach in the final squad, alongside former City Academy graduates Connor Metcalfe and Jordan Bos and Championship-winners Kai Trewin and Aiden O’Neill.
