14 years divide Geria and Herrington, yet their drive and ambition remain unchanged

Aged 18, Herrington is the youngest member of the Socceroos squad and the 11th youngest player at the tournament. His career has soared since making his professional debut just 17 months ago.

"Being at a World Cup at such a young age is special," the centre half remarked following a training session at Australia's tournament base on Wednesday.

"I aim to give my best for the country and make the nation proud. I will do that every time I step onto the pitch, and in every minute I am given."

Herrington is well accustomed to the United States, having featured in every minute of all 15 matches for the Colorado Rapids during the first half of his debut Major League Soccer (MLS) season this year.

"If I had not gained those minutes in Colorado, I probably would not have come," he stated.

The defender, born in Brisbane, debuted for the national team in March and has made such an impression that he was selected to travel to the U.S. for the World Cup.

Herrington remains determined to stay grounded, acknowledging the support from the coaching staff, teammates such as veteran goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, and his parents, who will be journeying to Vancouver for Australia's opening match against Turkey on June 13.

If Herrington's ascent has been rapid, Geria's international journey has been a gradual process.

The 33 year old right back, eligible to represent Uganda through his parents, received his first cap from then Australia manager Ange Postecoglou in 2016.

He was omitted from the 2018 and 2022 World Cup squads, but he received a call from Tony Popovic after his former Melbourne Victory coach assumed charge of the Socceroos in late 2024.

Geria earned his second cap eight years after his first, and has subsequently become a consistent selection in Popovic's teams.

"I am incredibly grateful that this opportunity has arisen, and that I kept working as hard as I did for as long as I did, always believing that one day something like this could happen for me," he expressed.

"To be honest, I am still pinching myself that I am part of the final 26 here at base camp, preparing for a World Cup."

\