Popovic drops Irankunda and Metcalfe for USA clash

Popovic drops – Australia coach Tony Popovic has made another bold call for the Socceroos’ second game at the 2026 World Cup, benching goalscorers Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe for the USA match. Nishan Velupillay comes in alongside veteran Mathew Leckie, while the US

Australia’s World Cup momentum met a fresh test at the worst possible time for fans hoping the scorer-in-form would keep his spot.

With the Socceroos preparing for their second game at the 2026 World Cup against the USA. coach Tony Popovic has dropped the pair who lit up Australia’s opener. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe—Australia’s goalscorers in the 2-0 win over Turkey—have been left on the subs bench for the USA clash.

Popovic’s change is stark: Nishan Velupillay comes into the starting mix, replacing Irankunda, and veteran Mathew Leckie is also brought in. Leckie is set to appear in his second World Cup for Australia, and it will be his 81st cap.

For Irankunda and Metcalfe, the disappointment is easy to understand. Irankunda. a Watford sensation at 20 years old. had made a World Cup debut feel inevitable—scoring Australia’s opening goal and giving Australia a constant threat down the left-hand side. In the Turkey match. his finish arrived in style: he latched onto a long ball from Paul Okon-Engster. gliding beyond Merih Demiral and slotting a cool effort inside the near post.

Metcalfe also scored with a different kind of confidence. Picking up the ball just inside the right-hand side of the Turkey half, he cut in on his left and unleashed a rasping left-footed strike that found the bottom right-hand corner.

Popovic had even described a clear idea behind Metcalfe’s goal before the tournament unfolded. He told reporters that the coaching staff had urged the team to shoot more often.

Now, that pair must wait. Australia’s second match isn’t just another fixture—it’s the next chance to build on the early statement against Turkey, and Popovic’s selection suggests he wants a different look even after the winning start.

There is, however, a boost for Australia in the build-up. USA talisman Christian Pulisic has been ruled out. The winger was brought off with a calf injury during the USA’s opener against Paraguay and did not train with the squad during the week. He did participate in modified training sessions, but he has not passed a fitness test in time for kick-off.

Australia’s overall tournament story has already shown Popovic isn’t afraid to make hard choices. In their first game, he dropped captain Maty Ryan for youngster Patrick Beach. That gamble paid off immediately. Beach turned what was widely expected to be a “man of the match” type of performance from someone else into something his own—Watched closely. his showing stood out. even if the spotlight ultimately shifted again to Irankunda.

Velupillay, stepping in this time, has his own numbers to carry. He has made eight appearances in the gold and green and scored three goals in that time. Fans will know Leckie’s pedigree too: at the 2022 World Cup. he delivered the winner against Denmark to help send the Socceroos into the round of 16.

So Australia go into the USA match with a new front line and a familiar challenge—keep the swagger from Turkey. even as the goalscorers sit out. The benches now have the names that delivered the opener. while the next 90 minutes will decide whether Popovic’s next selection gamble becomes another turning point.

Australia Socceroos Tony Popovic USA vs Australia 2026 World Cup Nestory Irankunda Connor Metcalfe Nishan Velupillay Mathew Leckie Christian Pulisic Merih Demiral Patrick Beach