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Major League Soccer

· 4 June 2026

By Cal Meachem

Introducing Lucas Herrington — one of the brightest young talents in Australian football.

The Colorado Rapids defender has transformed his impressive Major League Soccer (MLS) performances into a dream call-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, representing Australia.

Herrington will line up for the Socceroos alongside fellow New York City FC players Aiden O'Neill and Kai Trewin.

Age: 18

Hometown: Brisbane, Australia

After completing his move from A-League side Brisbane Roar to Colorado Rapids in January at just 18 years of age, few anticipated that Herrington would establish himself as such an integral figure so swiftly.

Yet, since breaking into the starting eleven early in the 2026 campaign, the young Australian has featured in every minute of the season to date.

Under the guidance of new head coach Matt Wells — formerly an assistant at Tottenham Hotspur — Herrington has become a vital part of the Rapids’ defensive setup.

Stats

1 goal and 1 assist in 15 MLS matches

International Caps: 3

International Goals: 0

Herrington earned his place on Australia’s World Cup roster late in the qualification cycle, making his senior debut during the March international window.

His standout performances in victories against Cameroon and Curaçao, coupled with consistent club form, secured his ticket to the tournament.

The 2026 edition marks Herrington’s first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.

Australia have been drawn into Group D, where they will face the United States, Paraguay, and Türkiye.

Group D Fixtures:

June 14: Australia vs. Türkiye, 12 am ET | Vancouver, British Columbia

June 19: Australia vs. USA, 3 pm ET | Seattle, Washington

June 25: Australia vs. Paraguay, 10 pm ET | Santa Clara, California

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded from 32 to 48 nations, will see the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed sides, progress to the Round of 32 knockout stage.

This year’s tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, runs from 11 June to 19 July.

It marks Australia’s seventh overall World Cup appearance and their sixth consecutive qualification since 2006.

The Socceroos’ best results to date came in 2006 and 2022, both times reaching the Round of 16.

Australia secured their spot for the 2026 World Cup by finishing second behind Japan in Group C during the third round of the Asian (AFC) qualifiers, which granted automatic qualification to the top two teams in each group.