Mitch Moses Selected for Australian World Cup Squad
The star halfback has committed to Australia for the 2026 World Cup tournament following his time with Lebanon.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Soccer
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Mitch Moses has been chosen to represent Australia at the 2026 World Cup after identifying the nation as his preference. He will wear the No. 7 jersey in the opening match against New Zealand.
Why it matters
The decision secures a key playmaker for Australia while Nathan Cleary remains sidelined by injury. Moses previously represented Lebanon in the 2022 World Cup but is now cemented in the Australian setup.
Coach Kevin Walters has selected a 23-man squad for the tournament, assigning Mitch Moses the No. 7 jersey for the opening game. This selection follows the grand final win by the Roosters ten days ago.
The players
Mitch Moses
He is a professional rugby league footballer who has played for both the Australian and Lebanese national teams.
Kevin Walters
He serves as the head coach for the Australian national rugby league team.
Nathan Cleary
He is a prominent Australian halfback currently unavailable for national selection due to injury.
Sam Walker
He is a rugby league player who will be rested for the opening match following his grand final participation.
Tom Dearden
He is the squad substitute halfback designated for Australia's opening match.
The details
Mitch Moses, who was born in Australia, last represented the nation during the 2024 Pacific Championships. Coach Kevin Walters has confirmed plans to rotate the squad across the opening two matches, with Tom Dearden serving as the substitute halfback and Sam Walker rested until the second match.
Timeline
Mitch Moses played for Lebanon in the 2022 World Cup.
Moses represented Australia during the 2024 Pacific Championships.
The Roosters defeated Newcastle in the grand final on 4 October 2026.
This announcement was made on 14 October 2026.
Season Trajectory
The selection of Moses provides stability for the national team following the 2024 Pacific Championships. His inclusion dictates the rotation strategy for upcoming matches as the team balances fatigue after the recent grand final.
With Nathan Cleary sidelined, Mitch Moses becomes the primary tactical focus for the opening match rotation. Sam Walker is confirmed to enter the side for the second fixture, shifting the halfback dynamic for those tracking the squad's performance.
The takeaway
Players often navigate international eligibility between heritage and birth nations throughout their careers. Understanding these shifts helps fans track roster movements during major international tournaments.
What happens next
Sam Walker is confirmed to play in Australia's second match of the 2026 World Cup.
Further reading
For more information on national team rosters, visit Australia Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox Sports.
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