Australia coach Tony Popovic has dropped teenager Nestory Irankunda and called up experienced campaigners Rhyan Grant, Milos Degenek and Martin Boyle for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda has been omitted from the Socceroos squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, but uncapped trio Max Balard, Anthony Caceres and Hayden Matthews have been named by national coach Tony Popovic.

Australia and Saudi Arabia play a crucial World Cup qualifier in Melbourne on Thursday while Japan and South Korea can take a huge step towards North America in 2026 in the third round of Asian qualif

The Socceroos face their most important World Cup qualifier when they host Saudi Arabia in Melbourne. A win could put them in the box seat to qualify for the tournament automatically.