Image source: rushmedia
Australia have named their squad for a pair of international friendlies against South Korea as the Olyroos begin their road towards qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The Olyroos have selected 23 players – all from the A-League – for two friendlies against South Korea on October 3 and October 6 in Gosford.
Adelaide United teenage sensation Amlani Tatu, who has been linked with LaLiga powerhouse Real Madrid, is in the squad along with Sydney FC’s MLS-bound phenomenon Akol Akon and former Manchester United young gun James Overy.
The friendlies, which are the country’s first on Australian soil since 2019, mark the first step on Australia’s road to LA28, with the Olyroos’ qualification campaign beginning with AFC U23 Asian Cup preliminaries in June 2027.
The successful teams will advance to the 2028 AFC U23 Asian Cup in Japan, where Asia’s representatives for the Olympic Games will be decided.
“This is an exciting opportunity to bring together a group of talented young Australian players and begin building towards the challenges ahead for the CommBank Olyroos,” said head coach Trevor Morgan.
“The ultimate ambition for this program is qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and this window represents the beginning of that journey, while also providing these players the opportunity to showcase future Socceroos ambitions.
“Korea Republic will provide us with two high-quality matches and exactly the type of international challenge we want for our players at this stage of the cycle.
“It’s also fantastic that we have the opportunity to play in front of Australian supporters. We want fans on the Central Coast to come out and see some of the exciting young talent coming through Australian football.”
Olyroos squad
Goalkeepers: Jai Ajanovic (Central Coast Mariners), George Plusnin (Brisbane Roar), Alexander Robinson (Macarthur Bulls)
Defenders: Nathan Barrie (Western Sydney Wanderers), Liam Bonetig (Melbourne City), Joshua Inserra (Melbourne Victory), Panagiotis Kikianis (Adelaide United), James Overy (Sydney FC), Franco Osuru (Melbourne Victory), Fabian Talladira (Adelaide United)
Midfielders: Wataru Kamijo (Sydney FC), Miguel Di Pizio (Central Coast Mariners), Quinn MacNicol (Melbourne City), Tiago Quintal (Sydney FC), Oliver Randazzo (Macarthur Bulls), Lawrence Wong (Melbourne City), Rhys Youlley (Sydney FC), Jonny Yull (Adelaide United)
Forwards: Akol Akon (Sydney FC), Dean Bosnjak (Macarthur Bulls), Medin Memeti (Melbourne City), Amlani Tatu (Adelaide United), Atiya Waraga (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Match details
CommBank Olyroos v Korea Republic U23s
Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Venue: polytec Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 3.00pm AEST
Broadcast: 10 Streaming
CommBank Olyroos v Korea Republic U23s
Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Venue: polytec Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 1.00pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10 Streaming