Updated May 29, 2026 — 8:55pm , first published 7:54pm

Cristian Volpato has made a shock, 11th-hour decision to switch allegiances, choosing Australia over Italy just days before the Socceroos squad is finalised for the World Cup.

Football Australia made the announcement on Friday, saying it had lodged paperwork with FIFA to ratify the Sydney-born Volpato’s decision to switch after he represented Italy as a youth and turned down the chance to be part of Australia’s squad at the tournament four years ago.

Cristian Volpato in action for US Sassuolo in Italy’s Serie A. Getty Images

He will join the Socceroos training camp in Los Angeles, ahead of coach Tony Popovic naming his final 26-man World Cup squad by Monday.…