Fifteen proud Australians with remarkable stories of resilience, survival and second chances have been officially announced as the national team representing Australia at the 2026 Transplant Football World Cup.
Each player has received a life-saving transplant – a powerful reminder of the impact of organ and tissue donation. Together, they represent many additional years of life made possible through the generosity of donors and their families.
The team will travel to Frankfurt, Germany, to compete in the second Transplant Football World Cup from 13–19 September 2026, joining teams from across the globe in a celebration of life and football.
Congratulation to Australia’s 2026 Transplant Football World Cup team:
• Petar Bazdaric – Bone marrow recipient, NSW
• Nickolas De Bonis – Liver recipient, QLD
• Ky Easterbrook – Kidney recipient, VIC
• Anthony Fato – Kidney recipient, NSW
• Ante Kelic – Liver recipient, VIC
• Nicholas King – Liver recipient, VIC
• Rebekah Lord – Kidney recipient, NSW
• Jake Maudsley – Kidney recipient, NSW
• Chad McGovern – Bone marrow recipient, NSW
• Rob Mihalic – Liver recipient, NSW
• Luke Rose – Kidney recipient, QLD
• Orlando Sinn – Liver recipient, VIC
• Daniel Waddelow – Liver recipient, SA
• Liam Woods – Bone marrow recipient, NSW
• Michael Wratten – Kidney recipient, NSW
Co-Chair of the Transplant Australia Football Club, Ante Kelic, said the team is honoured to represent Australia on the world stage. “To wear the green and gold is incredibly special for all of us. We play not only for ourselves, but for our donors, their families, and everyone waiting for a transplant. We hope to make them proud,” Ante Kelic said.
Transplant Australia CEO Chris Thomas congratulated the players on their selection, “The team are living proof of what organ and tissue donation makes possible. They represent courage, determination and gratitude – and they inspire all Australians to consider how they too can give the gift of life,” Mr Thomas said.
Supporters can get behind the team through a matched giving campaign led by living donor and Club member Rob Dixon, where every donation is matched dollar-for-dollar by Macquarie Group Foundation to support TAFC and help fund the team’s journey to the World Cup and raise awareness of organ and tissue donation. Click here to donate today and double your impact.
The Transplant Australia Football Club is proudly supported by the Professional Footballers Association, along with Club sponsors Kennards Hire, Advanced Fire Doors and T & C Supplies. Transplant Australia also gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Australian Sports Commission.
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