The Australia national football team Socceroos have called up talented Manchester United defender James Overy for their upcoming fixtures against Venezuela and Colombia.

What happened?

Overy, 17, has earned a surprise call-up to the senior Australia squad after catching the eye of national team boss Tony Popovic. He impressed scouts and coaches alike at the Under-20 World Cup earlier this year, showcasing his composure and intelligence beyond his years.

Why it matters for Australia national football team Socceroos

The call-up marks another key step in Overy's rapid progression since joining Manchester United on a scholarship deal in the summer of 2024. He penned his first professional contract just a month later, but his debut campaign was derailed by an eight-month injury layoff.

What comes next?

Australia will face Venezuela in Houston on 14 November before meeting Colombia in New York, as they continue preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Their last result was a 2-0 loss to USA on 2026-06-19. Their next fixture is against Paraguay on 2026-06-26. | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | Last result | USA 2-0 Australia (2026-06-19) | | Next fixture | vs Paraguay (away, 2026-06-26) | The Socceroos are looking to bounce back from their recent loss and build momentum ahead of the World Cup.