Mohamed Touré
Norwich CityCF
Playmaking Forward
Mar 26, 2004 (22)
Right
6'1"
172 lb
Makes World Cup debut
Toure generated one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Turkey.
Analysis: Toure started and played 74 minutes in Australia's 2-0 victory over Turkey, registering one shot, one chance created and two successful dribbles before making way in the second half. He was often left isolated as Australia spent much of the match defending without the ball. He enters the tournament as one of Australia's most exciting young attacking options after breaking through in Europe and netting nine times in 12 games in the Championship.
Starts Saturday
Toure (illness) has been included in Australia's starting lineup to face Turkiye on Saturday.
Analysis: Toure is set to lead the front line following his quick recovery from a minor ailment, but he may share playing time with Tete Yengi in the international tournament. The young forward had a great second half of the 2025/26 season, scoring 10 goals and delivering three assists over 12 matches played for Norwich City across all competitions in the calendar year. While he's yet to match that potential with the national team, he could carry much of the scoring hopes of a side that will face difficult opposition in the group stage.
Ready to play
Toure has returned to training and is likely to see minutes Saturday versus Turkiye after dealing with illness, with coach Tony Popovic revealing that "Everyone's healthy. Toure's fit as well. Everyone's available, which is what a coach wants leading to the first match" and speaking about the forward's absence from training "He just had a runny nose and just didn't train.", according to ESPN.
Analysis: Toure is in contention to feature as Australia's central striker, although he might be part of a rotation with Tete Yengi even if he's fit for significant playing time. The Norwich City man is coming off a solid end to the club season, where he scored nine goals and three assists across 11 appearances (seven starts) in the English Championship. However, he has had a less impressive performance at the international level and could have limited opportunities to produce with Australia facing tough opposition in the group stage.
Trains in full Thursday
Toure (undisclosed) rejoined Australia's training session on Thursday and was described as full of energy by teammates, easing concerns over his availability for the World Cup opener against Turkey on Saturday, according to Joey Lynch of ESPN. "He looked good, great to have him back amongst the boys. He's fine, running about, full of energy. So it was nice to see that."
Analysis: Toure had been a notable absentee from Wednesday's session with no explanation provided, sparking fears over his fitness heading into what is expected to be his tournament as Australia's first-choice striker. His return to training is a significant relief for coach Tony Popovic, though independent observation of his condition was not possible due to the closed nature of Thursday's session, with the official pre-match session in Vancouver on Friday evening set to provide the next opportunity to assess his readiness for the opener.
Misses training Wednesday
Toure (undisclosed) was absent from Australia's training session on Wednesday with no details provided on the nature of the issue, though Socceroos officials expect the striker to return to training on Thursday, according to Joey Lynch of ESPN.
Analysis: Toure's absence is a concern for coach Tony Popovic heading into Australia's World Cup opener against Turkey on Saturday, with the Norwich City striker widely expected to lead the line throughout the tournament. Should he be unable to feature, Tete Yengi would be the most direct alternative up front, with Nestory Irankunda, Mathew Leckie and Nishan Velupillay also available as options if Popovic needs to find a solution in the central striking position.
Looking to play at center-forward
Toure has earned a place as Australia's trusted striker, offering youth and shooting talent in the No. 9 spot ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Analysis: Toure's form rose during the closing months of the season thanks to a productive spell with Norwich City, where he demonstrated the upside that has made him one of Australia's most intriguing young forwards, scoring nine goals and three assists across 11 appearances (seven starts) in the English Championship. The main concern is his lack of recent international goals, as he has been held scoreless in six consecutive matches for the national team. Nevertheless, his value extends beyond pure finishing, with pace, ball-carrying ability and off-the-ball movement among his strongest attributes. Those qualities could make him the top pick to lead the front line over Tete Yengi for most of the tournament. Australia will be hoping Toure's improved club form translates into greater efficiency in front of goal as they face some tough opposition in the group stage.
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