Akol Akon Named to Australia Under-17 World Cup Squad
Sydney FC reverses its previous decision to allow the player to join the national team for the upcoming global tournament.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Soccer
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Football Australia has officially named Akol Akon and Besian Kutleshi to the 21-player squad heading to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The announcement follows a decision by Sydney FC to permit Akon to compete after public pressure.
Why it matters
The inclusion of Akon highlights the influence of public opinion on club-level decisions regarding international participation. It ensures the national side is at full strength as they prepare to face tough international competition.
Football Australia has finalised a 21-player squad to represent the nation at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The roster features Akol Akon and Besian Kutleshi as part of the group tasked with navigating the tournament.
The players
Akol Akon
He is a rising football talent who has been selected to represent the Australia Under-17 national team.
Besian Kutleshi
He is a member of the Australian national youth squad selected for the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
Sydney FC
It is a professional A-League club based in Sydney that initially sought to withhold its player from the national programme.
Football Australia
It is the national governing body responsible for managing the Australian football teams and overseeing the selection process.
The details
Sydney FC reversed its initial stance to prevent Akon from participating after facing significant criticism from the local football community. This change of heart occurred one week before the final squad announcement, making him eligible for selection.
Timeline
October 2026: Akol Akon became available for tournament selection.
November 2026: The FIFA Under-17 World Cup tournament begins in Qatar.
Season Trajectory
The inclusion of key players like Akon bolsters Australia's competitive standing within Group C, where they face Argentina, Denmark, and Mozambique. This squad will define the nation's success in the upcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup and their trajectory for the remainder of the youth cycle.
The reversal ensures the national team retains its full depth, directly impacting the tactical rotation options for the upcoming Group C matches. Fans will see a complete roster as the team begins its campaign against Argentina, Denmark, and Mozambique.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates the importance of player availability in balancing club commitments with international representation. Readers should monitor upcoming match schedules to see how these selected players perform on the global stage.
Further reading
Find more updates on the national youth programme at Australia Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Telegraph.
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