Volpato Seals Move to Socceroos, Named in 2026 World Cup Final Squad
Cristian Volpato has officially switched his international allegiance from Italy to Australia, sealing his place in the Socceroos’ final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move, which had been the subject of months of speculation, is now a done deal after Football Australia received formal clearance from the Italian Football Federation — a release letter that was promptly submitted to FIFA for ratification.
Born in Sydney, Volpato represented Italy at youth level but has now committed his senior future to the country of his birth. His journey through club football began when he joined Roma’s famed academy in 2020, before making the leap to Serie A with Sassuolo in 2023. The player has since established himself as a promising talent in Italy’s top flight, showcasing composure and technical flair on the pitch.
His inclusion marks a major boost for the national side ahead of what promises to be a tough campaign. Australia have been drawn in Group D, where they’ll kick off their World Cup challenge against Turkey on June 14, 2026. To sharpen their preparations, the Socceroos will face Switzerland in a friendly on June 6, followed by another clash against Mexico.
Volpato’s decision ends weeks of uncertainty and gives the manager a dynamic player to deploy during the global showpiece. The youngster had been heavily courted by both nations, but the green light from FIGC cleared the path for his full integration into the Australian setup.
Football Australia acted swiftly once FIFA approved the change of association, ensuring Volpato’s seamless transition into camp. While exact details on his integration timeline remain under wraps, sources confirm he’s expected to join the squad immediately and could feature in the Switzerland friendly.
With the final preparations underway, the Socceroos are set to wrap up their build-up with the Swiss encounter before heading to their tournament base. For Volpato, this is more than just a switch — it’s the start of a new chapter on the grandest stage in football.