Football Australia has been required to make two changes to its selected 20-player squad for the UEFA Friendship Cup 2025, to be held in Nyon, Switzerland from 30 May - 11 June.
Daniel Graskoski (Melbourne Victory FC) and Lachlan Charles (Melbourne City FC) have been required to stay in Australia and support their respective teams' Isuzu UTE A-League Men Grand Final preparations, and due to Australia's match schedule would not be able to participate in the tournament.
Jai Ajanovic (Central Coast Mariners FC) has been called in from Trevor Morgan's U20 squad playing in South America, alongside Sonny Inzalaco (Perth RedStar FC).
The UEFA Friendship Cup - now in its second year - aims to bring together talented young players from all corners of the globe to form connections across communities, while gaining experience in international football.
With all national teams committed to activity in the June Men's FIFA International Window, Football Australia has opted to commence the new cycle of the U20s program to face the likes of Argentina, France, Japan, Portugal, Senegal, USA and Uruguay.
The UEFA Friendship Cup offers the 2027 U20 group early exposure to a national team environment, as well as invaluable international minutes in conditions and against opposition that will lay a strong foundation for the 2027 U20 FIFA World Cup cycle.
The tournament will be conducted in a two-group format with all participating teams guaranteed four matches, which include three Group games, and a crossover fixture based on the final Group standings.
Australia have been drawn into Group A alongside Argentina, France and the USA.
The squad will be led by current Subway Young Socceroos Assistant Coach, Richard Garcia, with a view to embedding the standards and playing principles the squad can expect to find in the U20 program.
All matches at the UEFA Friendship Cup 2025 will be streamed live on UEFA's YouTube channel and on UEFA TV.
