Popovic has tossed a cup lifeline to an experienced batch including Awer Mabil, while gifting an uncapped trio chances in Australia's last two home friendlies before soccer's showpiece tournament.
The 30-year-old Mabil hasn't featured for the Socceroos since September 2024, before Popovic took over as coach.
But the winger has been summoned to a 26-strong squad for friendlies against Cameroon on March 27 in Sydney and Curacao on March 31 in Melbourne.
"He is probably the perfect example of the door is never closed," Popovic told reporters in Sydney on Thursday.
Mabil joins A-League Men's duo Aziz Behic, who hasn't featured for the Socceroos since June last year, and Nishan Velupillay, absent from the national set-up since March 2025.
Popovic named three uncapped players for their first Socceroos squad: 18-year-old central defender Lucas Herrington, 28-year-old striker Deni Juric - the younger brother of former Socceroo Tomi Juric and 25-year-old attacker Ante Suto, who is also eligible for Croatia.
Suto's selection and desire to represent Australia follows dual national Adrian Segecic's decision to snub the Socceroos and play for Croatia.
"We have to respect those decisions," Popovic said.
Suto, who has impressed playing for Hibernian, has never stepped foot in Australia.
"I had no idea whether the boy wanted to play for Australia," said Popovic, who recently courted the attacker in Scotland.
"He's got a real eye for goal; real good instincts in and around the box, which you're always looking for.
"A confident young man. I'm just looking forward to seeing what he can do in our environment."
Juric, playing for Wisla Plock in Poland, adds another scoring option to a squad missing Mohamed Toure because of a groin injury.
Midfield linchpin Jackson Irvine, who has captained the Socceroos in the past, was kept out as he recovers from a foot ailment.
Towering centre-back Harry Souttar, a standout at Australia's last World Cup campaign, was also overlooked while on the comeback trail from a ruptured achilles tendon suffered in December 2024.
Popovic considered naming Souttar but opted for the 27-year-old to remain training - and hopefully soon playing U21 games - at Leicester City.
"He has been out for over 15 months ... but he's a top player," Popovic said.
"We know in the last World Cup he had a very limited preparation and he was outstanding. I don't think you can close the door for him."
Jordan Bos, Alessandro Circati, Ajdin Hrustic, Jacob Italiano, Fran Karacic, Alex Robertson and Patrick Yazbek were also recalled.
Popovic will settle his 26-man squad for the World Cup after a last friendly against Mexico in California on May 30 (May 31 Australian time).
SOCCEROOS SQUAD:
Patrick Beach, Aziz Behich, Jordan Bos, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Alessandro Circati, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Lucas Herrington, Ajdin Hrustic, Nestory Irankunda, Jacob Italiano, Paul Izzo, Deni Juric, Fran Karacic, Awer Mabil, Connor Metcalfe, Riley McGree, Aiden O'Neill, Paul Okon-Engstler, Alex Robertson, Mat Ryan, Ante Suto, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay, Patrick Yazbek.
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