Big blow: McGree to miss World Cup after hamstring injury in Championship playoffs

Midfielder Riley McGree won’t play in the 2026 World Cup for the Socceroos after suffering a cruel hamstring injury just 15 minutes before the end of his last match of the season in England. He would have been a guaranteed starter for the team.

The 27-year-old was forced from the field late in the second half of the Championship playoff final and had to watch from the sidelines as his side, Middlesbrough, lost in the 95th minute. Victory in the clash at Wembley would have seen McGree’s side up to the Premier League, but instead they’ll have to watch Hull City in the top league.

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It’s a particularly bitter blow considering how valuable McGree was in Qatar four years ago. There, he started all four Socceroos games and set up Matt Leckie’s goal against Denmark, which earned Australia a spot in the Round of 16. He also earned the crucial assist on Aziz Behich’s goal against Japan in qualifying which secured the Socceroos’ World Cup spot this time.

Tony Popovic will name Australia’s final 26-player squad on June 1, immediately following a friendly against tournament co-hosts Mexico in Los Angeles on May 30. We should get a better idea of who will play midfield after that.

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We do, however, know several other names that won’t be included as well — Hayden Matthews and Nick D’Agostino have already left the Socceroos camp after suffering injuries, while Patrick Yazbek (quad) was ruled out last month.

There is a wealth of options floating around, with Leckie a standout, as well as Connor Metcalfe of St Pauli, Hibernian winger Martin Boyle, CD Castellón’s Awer Mabil, Melbourne Victory attacker Nishan Velupillay, and Watford flyer Nestory Irankunda, among other options. This Sporting Base writer would lean towards Irankunda, but Popovic may go for experience.

The Socceroos begin their World Cup campaign against Türkiye on June 14, at 2pm.