Socceroos Star Mo Toure's Fitness in Doubt Ahead of World Cup Opener Against Turkey

Mohamed Touré, the Socceroos' key striker, was absent from Australia's training session at the Oakland Roots facility on Wednesday local time, just days before their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D opener against Turkey on Saturday in Vancouver. Touré had arrived at the training ground by team bus and participated in the squad photo, but was not seen on the pitch during the 15-minute media observation window. The Socceroos confirmed he was expected to return to training on Thursday but offered no further details about his condition; Fox Sports reported, citing sources close to the player, that he had been ill and isolated from teammates as a precaution. Teammates Jordy Bos and Milos Degenek said they were unaware of the reason for his absence, with Degenek noting the session was split by position. Touré has been in strong form at club level, scoring nine to ten goals in around 11-12 appearances for Norwich City since a mid-season transfer, though that run was interrupted by a groin injury in February — and he has spoken publicly about adopting a new injury-prevention training regimen. If Touré cannot play, Popovic's options up front are limited: Tete Yengi is the only other specialist striker in the squad, while Nestory Irankunda, Nishan Velupillay, and Mathew Leckie could fill in from wider positions. Separately, Football Australia confirmed on the eve of the tournament that Popovic has been extended as head coach through to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.