Volpato switches flips from Italy to Australia for 2026 World Cup

May 29 (UPI) -- Midfielder Cristian Volpato switched soccer allegiance from Italy to Australia for the 2026 World Cup, Football Australia announced Friday.

The Sydney native played junior soccer in the city before moving to Italy. He played for Italy's under-19 and under-20 national teams. His switch from Italy to Australia was noted Friday on FIFA's change of association platform.

The 22-year-old, who plays for Sassuolo of Italy's Serie A, posted photos of himself in Sydney on Friday on Instagram. Volpato is expected to land Saturday in Los Angeles, the same day the Socceroos will face No. 15 Mexico in a friendly. He was added to the Socceroos' 30-man training squad.

The Australians, who sit at No. 27 in the FIFA world rankings, will face No. 19 Switzerland in another friendly June 6. The Socceroos' 26-man roster for the World Cup must be submitted by Monday.

The Italian Football Federation sent a release letter for Volpato to Football Australia to facilitate the change of association.

They will face Mexico at 10 p.m. EDT Saturday in Pasadena, Calif. They will battle Switzerland at 3 p.m. June 6 in San Diego. The Socceroos will meet No. 22 Turkey in their Group D opener at the World Cup on June 14 in Vancouver. They will battle the No. 16 United States in their second group stage match June 19 in Seattle.

The Socceroos' group stage finale will be played against No. 40 Paraguay on June 25 in Santa Clara, Calif. They failed to advance past the group stage in four of their previous six World Cup appearances. The Socceroos advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup.

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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 12:21 PM.