The CommBank Olyroos kick off a two-game friendly series against Korea Republic U23 in Gosford on Saturday as they prepare for their Olympic Qualifying campaign.
Korea Republic are a strong squad that will provide a challenge for Australia to help prepare them for games ahead. The matches will be the first time that the Olyroos have competed on home soil since 2019.
The Squad
CommBank Young Socceroos coach Trevor Morgan, who will oversee Olyroos activity during this international window, has selected a youthful Australian-based squad to gather for the first time as a group.
Eight A-League clubs are represented including five Sydney FC players, four Adelaide United players, and four Melbourne City players.
“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,” Morgan said during the squad announcement.
The willingness of CommBank Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic to select young players only adds to the intrigue of this window.
“Popa is selecting young players and giving them a chance when they show they’re at the level, so playing very well in these series of games certainly can’t hurt their chances of putting themselves in the frame for consideration,” Morgan said.
“I’m excited to see them play. There’s a lot of talent in the squad, and there’s varying experience – those who have been to a World Cup [with the Young Socceroos] and those in their first couple of camps.; It’s a great opportunity for them to perform and to show what they have. And that’s how we’re going to try and play: where they can perform really well as a team, but at the same time, show some individual quality.”
The Opponent
Korea Republic have a storied history at U23 level. Until Paris 2024, they had qualified for every Olympic Games since the tournament changed to U23 level in 1992. They have reached the quarter-finals on four occasions, even winning a bronze medal in 2012.
Despite missing out on qualification in Paris, the age group has showed their credentials, reaching the final of the Asian Games this week. The younger age group that will be eligible for 2028 are the team that have come to Australia.
“The advantage here is we have a top opponent in two games to really get it right,” Morgan said.
Last Time Out
The teams most recently met at this age group in the quarter-final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026. Luka Jovanovic scored for Australia early in the second half but goals for Baek Ga-on and Shin Min-ha meant that Korea Republic walked away with the 2-1 victory.
While both teams come into these friendlies with different squads, the lessons from that game will apply as the group looks to grow into a new cycle.
