Mat Ryan leaves Socceroos fans rocked with huge football development ahead of 2026 World Cup

Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan has stunned Aussie football fans after it was confirmed he had signed for Italian giants AS Roma as he seeks game time ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Socceroos captain was seeking a move away from AZ Alkmaar and left Aussie football fans stunned when signing for Roma in the Serie A.

Ryan has joined five clubs in three years as he seeks a starting role to prove his talents ahead of the next World Cup. Unfortunately, Ryan could play second-string goalkeeper with Belgium-born, Serbian international Mile Svilar currently occupying the role between the posts.

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold would be hoping Ryan sees more game time with the captain expected to lead Australia into the World Cup hosted in the USA, Mexico and Canada. And Arnold has backed Ryan to surprise fans and compete for that No.1 jersey throughout the domestic campaign.

"I spoke to Maty before he signed," Arnold said. "It's 50-50. He's not going there to be a second keeper at all. He's going there to be number one.

RELATED:

• Mackenzie Arnold in sad announcement as Matildas hero shares big news

• Fiancee detail comes to light after Sam Kerr makes massive decision

"They've got a young Belgian keeper at this moment in time and they wanted a top experience goalkeeper so Maty is going there. He's got a strong belief in himself and he's expecting to go there and play.

"A club like Roma, they're going to play 60-odd games this year with Champions League, and obviously the Serie A and cup competitions. And then we've got in this calendar year 10 international games, so that's 70 games. If he gets 30, we'll be very happy."

Socceroos fans laud Mat Ryan move ahead of World Cup

Ryan's move shows his intent to play at the top level heading into the World Cup. The 32-year-old recently missed Australia's matches against Bangladesh and Perth in June due to a minor knee injury.

But having been greeted in Rome by a bunch of photographers, Ryan appears ready to fight for a position. And Socceroos fans have celebrated Ryan's move in hope he can get back to his best.

Ryan has been the goalkeeper for the Socceroos for more than 10 years. But he is facing competition. Aston Villa goalkeeper Joe Gauci has shown his mettle and Melbourne Victory star Paul Izzo has signed a three-year deal with Danish Superliga side Randers FC. The Socceroos will play against Bahrain at Robina Stadium on September 5 in the Group C qualifying round for the World Cup.