Midfielder Connor Metcalfe 'sick of' Socceroos commentary ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Socceroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe says he is tired of the United States' media labelling Australia as easy beats ahead of the FIFA World Cup, starting next week.

Former USA men's player Alexi Lalas was the most recent, saying Australia was "an average team by any measure".

"I've seen all the US stuff and I'm just sick of it, to be honest," Metcalfe said as the Socceroos prepare for a friendly against Switzerland in San Diego.

"Let's just wait for the game. Whatever happens, happens.

"It's just so much rubbish, honestly. I'm just sick of it."

Lalas comments follow others by former players, including striker Landon Donovan, who labelled Australia coach Tony Popovic as "smug" and tipped the Socceroos to finish last in their group.

Australia is finalising its preparations for the World Cup with a midday game against the Swiss, which the squad will use to prepare for its 12pm game against the USA later in the tournament.

"It's actually a good dress rehearsal for us, with travelling, with food, with training, with our meetings," Popovic said.

Giving minutes to the squad

Popovic confirmed Cristian Volpato would play his first minutes for Australia after his shock defection from Italy just days before the World Cup squad was named.

The Sassuolo winger did not feature in the Socceroos one-nil loss to Mexico last week, and has been building fitness.

"He hasn't played a lot of football and he had eight to nine days off before he joined us," Popovic said.

"Comparing [him] to the group, he's probably at the bottom in terms of his conditioning right now.

"He's working hard, he's trying to get up to speed and we've seen some good inroads in the last couple of days."

Volpato's addition to the Socceroos squad was criticised in some circles, with many fans pointing to social media post he made when Australia lost to Japan.

But Metcalfe said there were no issues in the squad.

"It's been pretty smooth sailing. I mean, he's come in, he's a really nice, relaxed guy," he said.

"We see it online and we know the past and what's been done, but we're not here to talk about that.

"Whatever's said is done, so it's fine."

Switzerland star allowed to travel

Switzerland's preparations for the World Cup have not been smooth, with striker Breel Embolo prevented from travelling with the squad due to a visa issue.

US officials informed Embolo he could not fly with his teammates hours before take-off, with his ESTA — an automated travel visa issued for tourism — rejected due to a criminal conviction.

Embolo was convicted in 2023 for make threats, and failed in his appeal, making that judgment final.

The striker met with US officials during the week, and was approved for travel.

Embolo has scored 23 goals in 85 games for Switzerland.