Australian Midfielder Aiden O'Neill Suffers Ankle Injury Ahead of World Cup
Socceroos midfielder Aiden O'Neill injured his ankle during a Major League Soccer match for New York City FC. The injury occurred less than six weeks before Australia's first World Cup game. O'Neill has started in the team's last seven matches and holds 29 caps.
Australian national soccer team midfielder Aiden O'Neill sustained an ankle injury while playing for New York City FC in Major League Soccer. The incident happened during a 2-0 loss to DC United on Sunday, local time. O'Neill left the field after 36 minutes following an incident where he was stepped on.
FC coach Pascal Jensen stated that O'Neill had been managing an existing ankle issue. Jensen said O'Neill experienced pain during a turn in the game, leading to his substitution.
“But his ankle just locked and had too much pain to continue. He tried for a couple minutes, and I know for a fact, that Aido is not a guy that just steps out unnecessarily.”
O'Neill has served as a defensive midfielder alongside Jackson Irvine under coach Tony Popovic. Other players such as Paul Okon Jnr and Max Balard have also paired with him recently. Australia is scheduled to play warm-up matches against Mexico on May 31 in Los Angeles and Switzerland on June 7 in San Diego.
The team's first World Cup match is against Turkey on June 14 in Vancouver, followed by games against the United States on June 20 in Seattle and Paraguay on June 26 in Santa Clara.
Popovic is set to speak to media on Monday afternoon in Sydney. The team has a training camp planned in Sarasota before the friendly against Mexico, after which the squad will be selected on June 1. O'Neill's teammate Kai Trewin played the full game for New York City FC, while Kye Rowles played for DC United.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-05-03
Aiden O'Neill injured his ankle during New York City FC's match against DC United.
1 sourceAbc - 2026-05-04
Tony Popovic is scheduled to speak to media in Sydney.
1 sourceAbc - 2026-05-31
Australia plays warm-up match against Mexico in Los Angeles.
1 sourceAbc - 2026-06-07
Australia plays warm-up match against Switzerland in San Diego.
1 sourceAbc - 2026-06-14
Australia's first World Cup match against Turkey in Vancouver.
1 sourceAbc
Potential Impact
- 01
O'Neill's injury may affect his selection for Australia's World Cup squad.
- 02
The Socceroos could adjust midfield pairings in upcoming warm-up matches.
- 03
New York City FC may need to manage without O'Neill in remaining MLS games.
- 04
Team preparations in Sarasota camp might incorporate injury recovery plans.
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