Every Member Federation represented in Australia’s inaugural U-15 National Select squad 

Players from all nine Football Australia Member Federations have been selected in Australia’s inaugural U-15 National Select squad for the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026™ in Azerbaijan from 22–31 October. 

The 14-player squad features representation from across the country, with players currently based in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Northern New South Wales, Tasmania, the ACT, Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. 

The selection marks another milestone for Football Australia’s newly established U-15 program, providing some of the country’s emerging young players with their first opportunity to experience international tournament football and a national-team environment. 

The squad comprises players from a mix of metropolitan and regional environments, reflecting the breadth of Football Australia’s talent identification network and the role of Member Federations, clubs and programs across the country in developing young players. 

Additionally, the playing group will be supported by a coaching staff led by Adelaide United legend Richie Alagich and drawn from Member Federations across Australia. 

The appointments extend the program’s development focus beyond the players, providing coaches who have impressed in their respective environments with valuable exposure to international football. 

Quotes attributable to incoming Football Australia Pathways Talent Identification Lead, Michael Cooper: 

“To have players representing every Member Federation in this inaugural squad is something we’re really pleased about.

“It reflects the work being done across the country to identify and develop young players, and the strength of the connections between Football Australia, our Member Federations, clubs and programs.

“The purpose of this program is to give players an opportunity to experience international football at an earlier stage of their development. They will encounter different opponents, different styles of football and a tournament environment, while getting their first taste of what it means to represent Australia.

“For both the players and coaches, the focus is on embracing the opportunity, representing Australia with pride and coming away from Azerbaijan better for the experience.”

Quotes attributable to U-15 National Select Lead Coach, Richie Alagich:

“The focus will be on giving every player the opportunity to demonstrate and develop their individual technical qualities, decision-making and adaptability, with individual growth and learning at the centre of the experience.

“Having representation from every state and territory is a great reflection of the depth and diversity of potential that exists across Australia, across both metropolitan and regional environments.

“Success will be about much more than results on the pitch. If the players return home having developed as footballers, gained confidence, created lasting memories and been inspired by the experience, then we will consider the tournament a great success.” 

U-15 NATIONAL SELECT SQUAD | FIFA U-15 WORLD CUP & FESTIVAL 2026™ | 22–31 OCTOBER 

U-15 NATIONAL SELECT STAFF | FIFA U-15 WORLD CUP & FESTIVAL 2026™ | 22–31 OCTOBER