World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: St. Pauli's Jackson Irvine
St. Pauli captain Jackson Irvine will be one of many Bundesliga players keen to make an impact at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, with the 33-year-old all set to marshal the Australia midfield.
Name: Jackson Irvine
Club: St. Pauli
Nation: Australia
International debut: 15 October 2013
Caps: 80
International goals: 14
Stats correct as of 29 April 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
Irvine has had to overcome some setbacks this term. After undergoing foot surgery for an injury suffered towards the end of last season, he had to wait until Matchday 8 to make his campaign bow when he played four minutes of Pauli's 2-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
His first start, meanwhile, did not come until three weeks later, while another foot issue kept him out of a further two matches in January. Yet despite his tenacity and leadership, Irvine was ultimatley unable to prevent Pauli dropping down to Bundesliga 2.
Watch: Irvine reacts to Australia's World Cup draw
What he brings to the national team
Irvine's role for the Socceroos is similar to the one he holds at club level. At the World Cup, Australia will again be punching above their weight, but the Pauli midfielder's energy and composure in the middle of the park makes him an important part of his country's fortunes.
While Mat Ryan still officially holds the captaincy, Irvine has worn the armband six times since March 2024 and is one of the team's biggest leaders.
What his coaches say
"Jackson is a role model in every respect; he embodies the club and the captaincy. What he says in conversation and then does on the pitch and in the locker room are one and the same." - Alexander Blessin, St. Pauli head coach
"It will be an ongoing issue, the foot, that he'll have to manage in the short term. And we'll have to see whether that can be managed all the way through to the World Cup. Obviously, selfishly for us, we hope he can. He's a wonderful player and leader, which he's showing for his club side at the moment." - Tony Popovic, Australia head coach
