Paul Izzo, a late-blooming talent, is emerging as a contender to replace captain Mat Ryan as the Socceroos’ main goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup, following an impressive showing against Canada where he was named man of the match.
Izzo earned his selection over Ryan and Joe Gauci, and excelled during Australia’s 1-0 victory over Canada in Montreal on Saturday morning AEDT.
The 30-year-old Randers goalkeeper had already shown his capabilities in two previous matches during an international window against New Zealand, a time when Ryan was absent from the Socceroos to finalize his transfer to Levante.
But ahead of the Canada game at Stade Saputo, Popovic said Izzo also deserved a shot at the No.1 role with Ryan in the squad.
And Izzo did more than just handle the occasion.
The shot-stopper, who played under Popovic at Melbourne Victory and Greek club Xanthi, underlined why the Socceroos boss rates him so highly.
Paul Izzo is moving towards the previously unexpected possibility of succeeding captain Mat Ryan as the first-choice goalie for the Socceroos leading into the 2026 World Cup.
Izzo (pictured, right) was the pick of the Socceroos’ in their 1-0 win over Canada in Montreal on Saturday
In only his third appearance, Izzo made eight saves—setting a record for Australian goalkeepers in a men’s international match according to Opta—and was consistently composed throughout the game.
The 30-year-old marshalled his defence with aplomb, rarely looked flustered and proved a brick wall for the Canadian attack.
Upon learning the evening prior that he would be starting, Izzo expressed his satisfaction with his performance, noting that he felt more comfortable and confident with a few matches already played at the international level.
‘I really wasn’t expecting to play, but I was given an opportunity, and I really wanted to take it again with both hands,’ he said.
When asked if his hope was to become No.1 ahead of Ryan, Izzo said ‘of course.’
‘Look, I think for me, it’s hard to disregard the years and years and years of consistent work Maty’s done for his country, let alone his club-land,’ he added.
‘So for me, in respect of that, I have to work as hard as I can, because to match Maty is no easy feat.
‘And look, it’s not like just something you can just take.
Izzo was selected ahead of Socceroos skipper Mat Ryan (pictured) and Joe Gauci by coach Tony Popovic
‘So I really am just trying to put my best foot forward and take every opportunity that I get.’
Izzo said he relished the ‘absolute chaos and carnage’ of the closing stages as Canada chased an equaliser, which included a world-class effort with his leg to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute.
When asked whether Izzo could have risen to the challenge any better, Popovic was definitive.
‘I think he answered the question with his performance,’ the coach said.
He later added: ‘Our keeper made some great saves as well, Paul Izzo, on some occasions.
‘He’s stepping up. Our captain, Mat Ryan plays at Levante wasn’t selected for this game.
‘So we’re trying to increase the depth. And Paul Izzo showed that.’
