Adelaide United Captain, Craig Goodwin, and goalkeeper, Joe Gauci, have been named in the 26-man Socceroos squad for upcoming friendlies against Ecuador.
Socceroos’ Head Coach Graham Arnold has named his squad for this month’s “Welcome Home” Series against Ecuador, including 20-players who represented Australia at the FIFA World Cup.
“The upcoming series against Ecuador will feature no less than 16 players who took to the field for Australia at the World Cup in Qatar, and a further five members of the 26-player squad, where everyone is excited to get back home and celebrate with Australian football fans,” Arnold said.
“We saw the scenes back home in Australia during the World Cup and it would be wonderful to recreate that buzz and excitement during this upcoming series, where football fans can thank the players for their efforts and together, we can reminisce on a special moment in Australian sporting history.”
Arnold has also named four uncapped players in this squad, which includes Gauci.
The series will also present a strong test on the park for the Socceroos, whose quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 starts this November and the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to be contested in Qatar during early 2024.
“While these two matches against Ecuador are an occasion for the players and fans to celebrate the achievements of the team in Qatar, we have also commenced preparations for the next FIFA World Cup cycle, which includes having a blank piece of paper mentality when it comes to player selection, where the 26 named for this window will get the first chance to press their claim for future honours,” concluded Arnold.
Adelaide United and Joeys forward, Nestory Irankunda, will also join the Socceroos in camp as a train-on player, giving the 17-year-old exposure to the senior national team environment.
Tickets for the Socceroos’ “Welcome Home” Series are available from socceroos.com.au and start at $10 for Juniors and $20 for Adults with Concessions starting at $15.
Football Australia can confirm that $1 from every ticket sold for both matches will be donated to the Pararoos. The Pararoos are Australia’s national men’s football team for athletes with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, or symptoms acquired from stroke.
The two matches will be broadcast live on Network 10 and Paramount+.
Match Day One
Date: Friday, 24 March 2023
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Time: 7:40pm (ACDT)
Match Day Two
Date: Tuesday, 28 March 2023
Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Time: 7:05pm (ACDT)
