Popovic insists Socceroos squad is 'fearless' and 'significantly better' than 2022

The squad of 26 players chosen by Popovic contains 17 World Cup debutants, including two uncapped individuals: Tete Yengi, a 25 year old striker based in Japan, and Cristian Volpato, a 22 year old attacker who changed his international allegiance from Italy to Australia only a few days ago.

Eleven players have fewer than 10 caps, among them the 18 year old defender Lucas Herrington and the 22 year old striker Mohamed Toure.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Graham Arnold's side made it to the round of 16, becoming the first Australian team to secure more than one win at a single World Cup tournament.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Popovic said he expects his players to hold themselves to a high standard, even though many are inexperienced at this level.

"We were not poor players four years ago. We were very good players," Popovic stated.

"We were a fantastic group. Four years on, we are much better, so these boys will be good now.

"I do not want to lower anyone's expectations. It is a young squad.

"Will they be improved in four or eight years? Without a doubt.

"But that does not mean they are not good enough now. If they were not, I would not select them."

Yengi, who is the younger brother of Socceroos forward Kusini Yengi, was added late to the pre tournament training camp in Florida. Volpato, on the other hand, linked up with the team in California over the weekend.

Neither player took part in Australia's 1-0 friendly defeat to Mexico at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.

Popovic mentioned that the imposing 1.97m tall forward Yengi, currently playing for Machida Zelvia in Japan's top division after a loan from Scottish club Livingston, could offer a different dimension to the attack with his stature and physical presence.

Volpato, previously an Italy under 20 international, declined Arnold's offer to represent the Socceroos at the Qatar World Cup, but has now been selected after his recent choice to leave Italy behind.

"He is a very talented player... There is still a lot of growth and potential there, which pretty much sums up many of our players at the moment," said Popovic.

Australia will play their final warm up match against Switzerland in San Diego on Saturday. They then begin their World Cup campaign against Turkey on 13 June in Vancouver. Their other group matches are against co hosts the United States and Paraguay.

"What we have is a group full of young energy. A lot of exciting talent, which marks the beginning of a new cycle," said Popovic.

"I believe they are fearless. We are working to find the right balance... but it should be a very exciting team for the Australian public to watch."