Five Sydney FC youngsters have been named in the CommBank Olyroos squad for October’s international friendlies against Korea Republic U23s on the Central Coast.
Akol Akon, Wataru Kamijo, James Overy, Tiago Quintal and Rhys Youlley have all been selected in the 23-player squad as Australia begins its campaign towards qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The five Sky Blues make up more than a fifth of the squad and continue a strong period of recognition for Sydney FC’s emerging young talent.
Akon, Kamijo, Quintal and Youlley have all progressed through Sydney FC’s Academy pathway before establishing themselves in the senior set-up, while Overy joined the Sky Blues in September following two years in Manchester United’s Academy.
Akon has enjoyed a rapid rise since becoming Sydney FC’s youngest-ever Men’s player and will spend the remainder of the 2026/27 season in Sky Blue before joining MLS side Colorado Rapids.
The 17-year-old recently agreed a club-record transfer to the Rapids following a breakthrough campaign which also saw him become the youngest player to feature and start in an A-League Men’s Grand Final.
Quintal has also continued to make his mark at senior level, becoming Sydney FC’s youngest-ever senior hat-trick scorer when he netted three times in the Sky Blues’ 5-1 Australia Cup victory over Bayswater City in July.
Kamijo and Youlley have become regular members of Patrick Kisnorbo’s senior squad, while 18-year-old Overy arrived in Sydney having already represented Australia at youth international level.
The young right-back featured for the Young Socceroos at the FIFA U20 World Cup and has previous experience with Australia’s U23 set-up.
The Olyroos will face Korea Republic twice at Polytech Stadium in Gosford, beginning on Saturday, 3 October at 3pm AEST before meeting again on Tuesday, 6 October at 1pm AEDT.
The matches represent the beginning of a new Olympic cycle for Australia, with the Olyroos aiming to qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Japan 2028 before targeting a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Young Socceroos Head Coach Trevor Morgan will oversee the squad during the October international window.
The two fixtures will also mark the Olyroos’ first matches on Australian soil since 2019.
Sydney FC Olyroos Selections:
Akol Akon – Forward
Wataru Kamijo – Midfielder
James Overy – Defender
Tiago Quintal – Midfielder
Rhys Youlley – Midfielder
Match Details:
CommBank Olyroos v Korea Republic U23s
Saturday, 3 October 2026
Polytec Stadium, Gosford
3:00pm AEST
CommBank Olyroos v Korea Republic U23s
Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Polytec Stadium, Gosford
1:00pm AEDT
