Who made the final 26-man Socceroos World Cup squad?

The Italy-based playmaker, who declined the opportunity to represent Australia at the 2022 World Cup, is one of two uncapped players in the squad, alongside Japan-based striker Tete Yengi, who was a surprise addition to the team's pre-tournament camp in Florida.

Cristian Volpato only joined the squad early on Saturday, a day after Football Australia confirmed his decision to turn down Italy.

Yengi, the younger brother of fellow Australian forward Kusini Yengi, was selected after missing the 1-0 friendly loss to World Cup co-hosts Mexico at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.

Popovic had indicated the core of his squad through his selections at the Sarasota camp, but faced a few tough choices after the defeat to Mexico.

He ultimately opted for Patrick Beach as his third goalkeeper, at the expense of Joe Gauci, with captain Mat Ryan set to start in goal for the Socceroos and Paul Izzo as his deputy.

Yengi's inclusion meant there was no place for forward Brandon Borrello, while winger Martin Boyle was also omitted four years after an injury ruined his hopes of playing at Qatar 2022.

Defender Kye Rowles also missed out on the 26-man squad.

"Some difficult decisions had to be made – that’s the nature of major tournaments," Popovic said in a statement.

"But it’s also a credit to all the players involved over the past few weeks who worked extremely hard during an extended and challenging pre-camp."

The squad includes 17 World Cup debutants, including 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington and 21-year-old Sydney FC midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler, who was rewarded for his strong form in the A-League.

Central defender Harry Souttar and winger Mathew Leckie, Australia's heroes at Qatar 2022, have been included after recovering from long injury battles.

Melbourne Victory's Nishan Velupillay and Awer Mabil join Nestory Irankunda and striker Mohamed Toure in Popovic's forward setup.

Australia World Cup squad:

Patrick Beach, Aziz Behich, Jordan Bos, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Cameron Devlin, Jason Geria, Lucas Herrington, Ajdin Hrustic, Nestory Irankunda, Jackson Irvine, Jacob Italiano, Paul Izzo, Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill, Paul Okon-Engstler, Mat Ryan, Harry Souttar, Mohamed Toure, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay, Cristian Volpato, Tete Yengi