World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: St. Pauli's Connor Metcalfe
St. Pauli's 26-year-old midfielder Connor Metcalfe burst onto the FIFA World Cup stage with a brilliant long-range effort in Australia's Group D opener against Türkiye and will look to continue to inspire the Socceroos in North America.
Name: Connor Metcalfe
Club: St. Pauli
Nation: Australia
International debut: 7 June 2021
Caps: 37
International goals: 2
Stats correct as of 14 June 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
Metcalfe did not have the easiest of seasons in Germany. He saw his playing time limited after an injury-ravaged previous campaign, with a knee issue also forcing him out in January and February.
The midfielder did gain a place in the starting line-up at a crucial time though, making two of his three Bundesliga starts in the final two weeks of the season, as St. Pauli battled in vain to secure their top-flight survival.
Watch: Metcalfe and Irvine play defend the goal
What he brings to the national team
Having scored in a 2-1 win against Saudi Arabia in June 2025 that saw Australia book their place in North America, and playing a part in all ten of their friendly matches since, it was no surprise to see Tony Popovic select Metcalfe for their opening Group D tie against Türkiye.
The bustling midfielder repaid that faith in spades by bounding forward and slotting in a superb second goal from 20 yards out.
What his coaches say
“He’s got a good football brain, is a hard tackler and is able to set up his teammates or get into dangerous positions himself." - Former St. Pauli coach Alexander Blessin
“We've probably exposed Connor Metcalfe a lot more than any other player with a similar situation. But he's a really robust young man, and he's been able to handle it really well." - Australia head coach Tony Popovic
