{"id":29138,"date":"2026-06-11T06:55:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T06:55:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/29138\/"},"modified":"2026-06-11T06:55:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T06:55:09","slug":"velupillay-ready-to-turn-dreams-into-reality-at-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/29138\/","title":{"rendered":"Velupillay ready to turn dreams into reality at World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nishan Velupillay expressed his immense gratitude for the countless sacrifices made by his family on the journey to representing the Socceroos on the world\u2019s biggest stage.<\/p>\n

Set to kick off their 2026 FIFA Men\u2019s World Cup campaign this Sunday against T\u00fcrkiye at 2pm AEST, Australia will be determined to get off to the best possible start in Vancouver.<\/p>\n

After their trip to Canada, the Socceroos will return to the States to face the hosts, USA, on June 19th, and Paraguay in their third and final group stage fixture on June 25th.<\/p>\n

Following his selection to Australia\u2019s 2026 FIFA Men\u2019s World Cup squad<\/a>, Nishan Velupillay tried to put the ecstatic feeling of hearing the news that he made the team into words.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou always think about these things, but once they become a reality, it\u2019s a different feeling. I\u2019m really happy and just ready to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo make an appearance in the World Cup and to help this team would be a dream come true. Obviously, I\u2019m an attacking player, and if I can contribute with a goal or assist, or an action that helps the team, I think it\u2019ll make the country and my family proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Velupillay celebrating his sweet strike against Perth Glory at AAMI Park back in January.<\/p>\n

Keeping himself grounded and remembering those who have supported him along the way, the 25-year-old certainly made it clear that he will be playing with his family in mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of days where they\u2019re driving you to training and they come back from long, hard days of work and they\u2019re willing to put your dream first, I\u2019m forever grateful for that.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I can repay them with a World Cup appearance, I\u2019m sure they\u2019ll be happy with that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leading out the team this June, Socceroos and former Victory Head Coach Tony Popovic spoke highly of Velupillay<\/a> following his stint off the bench against Mexico.<\/p>\n

\"\"Popovic embracing Velupillay following a clash with Macarthur in 2023.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a moment last night in the game where he won a duel on the halfway line, and he powered away from the players\u2026 I think that was a sign that at this level, that he can actually make an impact.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe always call him a bit of a hybrid, because he plays well between the lines, but he also likes to run in behind when it\u2019s a high line.\u201d<\/p>\n

In charge of the Boys in Blue for three seasons, memorably leading the Club to Australia Cup glory in 2021, Popovic is also joined by two more names that have a special place in the hearts of any Vuck faithful in the Socceroos\u2019 World Cup camp.<\/p>\n

Brought to the Club in 2022, goalkeeper Paul Izzo spoke on Popovic\u2019s influence on his trajectory<\/a> while in Melbourne, since pushing his way into the national team setup after thriving for Randers in the Danish Superliga.<\/p>\n

\u201c(Tony Popovic) made me realise the standards and what it takes to be a professional footballer at the elite level\u2026 I\u2019m very grateful to have worked with him in a few clubs now, because he does get the best out of me.\u201d<\/p>\n

With 189 league appearances to his name in navy blue, experienced defender Jason Geria will have the opportunity to represent Australia in a major tournament for the first time, expressing his excitement at that prospect<\/a> in the lead-up to World Cup squad selection.<\/p>\n

\"\"Izzo and Geria sharing a laugh after a successful outing at AAMI Park in 2023. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt feels surreal, honestly. When this campaign started at the end of 2024, it\u2019s something that\u2019s in the back of your mind, but there\u2019s still a lot of distance, so it didn\u2019t feel too real back then.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut then, as qualifying goes on and we qualify in the way that we did\u2026 it does start to build up, and it does start to become more tangible. You\u2019re very close to achieving something that you\u2019ve dreamt of for so long.\u201d<\/p>\n

Watch Nishan Velupillay\u2019s full press conference ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men\u2019s World Cup below.<\/p>\n

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