Wanderers Academy defender Richard Nkomo has been named in the Australia U18s squad for the UEFA Friendship Cup 2025, to be held in Nyon, Switzerland from 30 May to 11 June.
The tournament – 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.
Medin Memeti (Melbourne City FC) and Lucas Herrington (Brisbane Roar FC) – both from the Subway Young Socceroos AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025™ squad – will make the trip to Switzerland, while Harry Crawford (Adelaide United FC), Dylan Leonard (Western United FC) and Lawrence Wong (Melbourne City FC) have been rewarded for breakthrough performances during the Isuzu UTE A-League Men season.
Max Anastasio (Venezia FC), Haine Eames (Central Coast Mariners FC) and Quinn MacNicol (Brisbane Roar FC) continue to progress through the national team pathway, following strong contributions to the Subway Joeys program.
Football Australia’s Head of National Teams, Gary Moretti, said the tournament was an exciting opportunity for the development of this group.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity from UEFA to be involved in a tournament that includes such an array of talented young teams from across the world,” Moretti said.
“The chance to participate in this tournament aligned perfectly with our long-term strategy for the U20 age group as we look ahead to 2027, and I’ve got no doubt there will be some invaluable learnings to take from this experience for our players and staff.
“This squad will get the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best in their age group and we’re looking forward to seeing them in action,” Moretti concluded.
All matches at the UEFA Friendship Cup 2025 will be streamed live on UEFA’s YouTube channel and on UEFA TV.
AUSTRALIA U18s SQUAD | UEFA FRIENDSHIP CUP 2025 | 30 MAY – 11 JUNE 2025
| Name | Position | Current Club | Junior Club/Member Federation/Country |
| Max ANASTASIO | Midfielder | Venezia FC, Italy | Marconi Stallions FC / Football NSW |
| Rylan BROWNLIE | Forward | Crystal Palace FC, England | Moreton City Excelsior FC / Football QLD |
| Lachlan CHARLES | Goalkeeper | Melbourne City FC, Australia | Heidelberg United FC / Football VIC |
| Harry CRAWFORD | Forward | Adelaide United FC, Australia | Elizabeth Vale SC / Football SA |
| Arthur DE LIMA | Forward | Central Coast Mariners FC, Australia | Brisbane City FC / Football QLD |
| Haine EAMES | Midfielder | Central Coast Mariners FC, Australia | Camden Haven Redbacks FC / NNSW Football |
| Alexander GARBOWSKI | Defender | BK Hacken, Sweden | Subiaco FC / Football West |
| Alessio GENOVA | Midfielder | Cittadella FC | Mongo FC / Football NSW |
| Daniel GRASKOSKI | Goalkeeper | Melbourne Victory FC, Australia | Northcote City FC / Football VIC |
| Lucas HERRINGTON | Defender | Brisbane Roar FC, Australia | Toowong FC / Football QLD |
| Dylan LEONARD | Defender | Western United FC, Australia | Middle Park FC / Football VIC |
| Jetzen LOPEZ | Midfielder | S.C. Braga | Marconi Stallions FC / Football NSW |
| Quinn MACNICOL | Midfielder | Brisbane Roar FC, Australia | Rochedale Rovers FC / Football QLD |
| Medin MEMETI | Forward | Melbourne City FC, Australia | Dandenong Thunder FC / Football VIC |
| Marcus NEILL | Forward | Sunderland AFC, England | Langho Juniors FC / England |
| Richard NKOMO | Defender | Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia | South West Wanderers FC / Football NSW |
| James OVERY | Defender | Manchester United FC, England | Joondalup City FC / Football West |
| Xavier SMITH | Defender | Crewe Alexandria FC, England | MSC Eastham / England |
| Tyler WILLIAMS | Defender | Sydney FC, Australia | Castle Hill United FC Football NSW |
| Lawrence WONG | Midfielder | Melbourne City FC, Australia | Manningham FC / Football VIC |
AUSTRALIA U18s MATCH SCHEDULE | UEFA FRIENDSHIP CUP 2025 | 30 MAY – 11 JUNE 2025
Australia U18s v Argentina U18s
Sunday, 1 June 2025
Colovray Sports Centre, Nyon
Kick-off: 10.30am local / 6.30pm AEST
France U18s v Australia U18s
Wednesday, 4 June 2025
Colovray Sports Centre, Nyon
Kick-off: 3.30pm local / 11.30pm AEST
Australia U18s v United States U18s
Saturday, 7 June 2025
Colovray Sports Centre, Nyon
Kick-off: 11.00am local / 7.00pm AEST
Australia U18s v TBC
Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Colovray Sports Centre, Nyon
Kick-off: TBC
