ante suto

Ante Suto: The Croatian-born Hibernian striker making waves in Australia's World Cup push

When Tony Popovic named his Socceroos squad for the March FIFA Series 2026™, few outside Scotland would have recognised the name on the list. But Ante Suto has quickly become one of the most talked-about inclusions in Australia’s latest World Cup qualifying preparations – a story that blends club form, international eligibility, and the growing global reach of the Socceroos.

Suto, just 25 years old and playing as a centre-forward for Scottish Premiership side Hibernian FC (Hibs), received a maiden call-up to the Australian national team for friendlies against Cameroon and Curaçao in March 2024. The selection marks a significant moment not only for the player but also for Popovic’s evolving strategy ahead of critical qualifiers later this year.

Why Ante Suto matters

Born in Imotski, Croatia, on 19 June 2000, Suto moved to Scotland at a young age and began his professional career with Livingston before joining Hibs in January 2025. Since arriving in Leith, he has made an immediate impact, scoring three goals in six appearances across all competitions – including crucial strikes in league fixtures and cup ties.

His inclusion isn’t just about raw numbers; it reflects Popovic’s willingness to look beyond traditional pathways and tap into talent pools outside conventional scouting networks. As reported by Socceroos.com.au, the coach selected three uncapped players for this window — Suto being one of them — signalling a fresh approach ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“We’re always looking to strengthen our squad with players who bring energy, quality, and hunger,” Popovic said after announcing the squad. “Ante has shown what he can do in Scotland, and we believe he can contribute now.”

Recent developments and squad details

The official Socceroos announcement confirmed that Suto was joined by two other uncapped players: 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington (who recently transferred to MLS side San Jose Earthquakes) and another midfielder yet to be publicly named in detail. Notably absent were former Socceroo Adrian Segecic and striker Adam Taggart, both of whom have been active in recent qualifiers but didn’t make the cut this time around.

Fox Sports reported the news under the headline “BREAKING: Socceroos stunner as teen confirmed, World Cup hero snubbed for huge final audition,” highlighting Suto’s surprise selection amid broader squad reshuffling. Meanwhile, Sydney Morning Herald coverage noted that while Suto’s international future was once uncertain due to dual Croatian-Australian eligibility, Popovic appears keen to fast-track him into contention.

Suto is eligible to represent either Croatia or Australia. While he hasn’t played for Croatia at senior level, he has expressed strong interest in representing the Socceroos — a sentiment echoed in interviews where he describes himself as “Australian through upbringing and heart.”

His call-up comes at a pivotal time. With Australia set to face top-tier opposition in upcoming friendlies, Popovic will use these games to assess new faces before the real pressure begins in September’s AFC World Cup qualifiers.

Background: Dual heritage and rising profile

Understanding Suto’s journey requires context. Born in Croatia during the post-war era, many families from the region migrated abroad seeking stability — and football academies often became a bridge between cultures. Suto grew up in Scotland, educated locally, and rose through youth systems before earning professional contracts.

Unlike some dual-nationality players who face protracted negotiations between federations, Suto’s situation appears straightforward: he chose Australia early in his development, and FIFA eligibility rules allow him to represent the Socceroos without requiring a one-time switch.

This mirrors trends seen with other Socceroos like Mathew Leckie (Germany-born) and Ajdin Hrustic (Bosnia-born), who leveraged their multicultural backgrounds to enrich the national team’s attacking options.

At Hibs, Suto plays alongside experienced internationals such as Martin Boyle and Lyndon Dykes, giving him exposure to high-level competition. His physical presence — standing at 1.85m — combined with technical finishing makes him a classic target man, a role less common among Australian forwards in recent years.

According to Transfermarkt, his current market value sits at approximately €850,000, reflecting steady growth since his move to Edinburgh. ESPN notes that scouts from Bundesliga and Premier League clubs have reportedly monitored his performances closely.

Immediate effects: Impact on Hibs and national ambitions

For Hibs, losing Suto for international duty could be disruptive — especially if he starts in upcoming fixtures. However, manager Leeann Dempster has expressed full support for his player’s opportunity.

“Ante’s form speaks for itself,” Dempster told BBC Scotland. “Representing your country is every footballer’s dream. We’re proud to have him here and confident he’ll return even stronger.”

Meanwhile, Australian fans are buzzing about the prospect of seeing Suto in green and gold. Social media reactions range from cautious optimism to outright excitement, particularly given Australia’s need for clinical strikers in upcoming qualifiers.

Critics, however, point out that Suto lacks experience against elite defenders — a valid concern given Cameroon and Curaçao, while competitive, aren’t considered among the world’s best. Still, as a trial run, the friendlies offer invaluable minutes.

Future outlook: Can Suto secure a regular spot?

The real test will come in September, when Australia faces Group A rivals Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and China PR. With Mathew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren, and Mitchell Duke already established frontmen, Suto must prove he offers something unique — whether it’s hold-up play, aerial threat, or late runs into the box.

Popovic’s history suggests patience. He gave Tim Cahill a chance at 21 and nurtured young talents like Danny Vuković and Riley McGree through their early call-ups. If Suto performs well in March, don’t be surprised if he earns a starting berth sooner rather than later.

Moreover, with Croatia potentially fielding their own striker in the same qualification group, Suto’s choice of allegiance carries symbolic weight. Representing Australia would send a message about diaspora talent thriving outside Europe — and inspire more overseas-based players to consider the Socceroos.

Conclusion: A new chapter for Australian football

Ante Suto’s rise may seem unexpected to some, but it aligns perfectly with modern football’s globalised nature. His story underscores how talent can emerge from unorthodox routes — through Scottish leagues, dual citizenship, and relentless personal ambition.

As Australia prepares for its World Cup campaign, names like Suto, Herrington, and others signal a generational shift. The Socceroos are no longer just relying on domestic stars or expat Europeans — they’re casting a wider net, identifying diamonds in places like Leith, Glasgow, and beyond.

Whether Suto becomes a mainstay or fades after a few caps, his inclusion marks a milestone: proof that football’s boundaries are expanding, and opportunity truly knows no borders.

Keep an eye on Hibernian’s next few matches — and the Socceroos’ March friendlies. One thing’s certain: Ante Suto is ready to make his mark.