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Live sport on SN this weekendSocceroos dealt selection blow following rising star's defection
Nicholas Quinlan • March 14th, 2026 1:32 pm
The Socceroos have been dealt a blow just months out from their World Cup campaign with young star Adrian Segecic switching his nationality to Croatia.
The attacking midfielder who has been plying his trade at English Championship club Portsmouth this season has had his decision having submitted documents to FIFA, with Segecic now appearing in the Change of Association Platform.
Born in Sydney, the 21-year-old started his debut season with Pompey on fire, scoring in his first two games with the club.
The former Sydney FC academy product would continue to be a constant within the side, having made a further 30 appearances, which saw him manage three goals and two assists.
That form would be enough for Segecic, who had played through all three junior levels at an international level for Australia, to be selected for the Socceroos throughout several international windows in 2025.
But without being given a senior cap by Tony Popovic, this would allow him to switch his nationality to Croatia.
This is due to Segecic having Croatian heritage, with his grandparents having emigrated to Australia.
He's not the first Australian-born player to have decided to switch their nationality to Croatia.
Legendary centre back Josip Šimunić would switch his nationality to the Balkan country in 2001 despite being born in Canberra and plying his trade for the Australian Institute of Football and NSL side Melbourne Knights.
Simunic went on to represent Croatia 105 times, which included a match against Australia in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
The World Cup begins on June 12 with SEN being the exclusive radio broadcaster of the tournament within Australia.
Image credit: Saudi Arabian Football Federation
