Australia’s Jordan Bos has emerged as one of the surprise stars of the FIFA World Cup, with the flying full-back not only helping the Socceroos reach the knockout stage but also outpacing some of football’s biggest speedsters, including Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.The 23-year-old will once again be in the spotlight on Friday when Australia take on Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the Round of 32 at Dallas Stadium, with both nations chasing their first-ever victory in a men’s FIFA World Cup knockout match.The winner will likely earn a blockbuster last-16 showdown against defending champions Argentina, who are overwhelming favourites against tournament debutants Cabo Verde.
Bos clocks faster sprint than Mbappe and Haaland
Bos announced himself on the global stage during Australia’s opening 2-0 win over Turkey, where FIFA data recorded his top speed at an astonishing 36.7 km/h (22.8 mph).That made him quicker than several of the tournament’s most feared attackers and defenders during the opening round of group-stage matches, including France captain Kylian Mbappe, Norway striker Erling Haaland, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven and Uzbekistan centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov.Primarily an attacking left-back, Bos has also demonstrated his versatility by playing further forward on the right during Australia’s goalless draw with Paraguay, a result that secured the Socceroos a place in the knockout rounds behind co-hosts the United States.
Australia chasing historic World Cup breakthrough
Australia will now look to make history against Egypt, who also reached the Round of 32 after finishing second in their group, highlighted by their historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand — the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup win.Neither nation has previously won a World Cup knockout match, guaranteeing that one will break new ground in Texas.Bos’ rapid rise has mirrored Australia’s impressive campaign. After coming through Melbourne City’s academy, he joined Belgian club KVC Westerlo in 2023 for what was then a record transfer fee for a player leaving Australia’s domestic league. Just two years later, Dutch giants Feyenoord signed him for a reported five million euros following two impressive seasons in Belgium.Despite growing speculation linking him with another lucrative move to one of Europe’s elite clubs, Bos remains focused solely on Australia’s World Cup mission.“I’m not too worried about it or thinking much about it,” Bos said. “I’m just living in the moment and trying to do my best for the country. Whatever happens, happens, but right now it’s not on my mind at all.”
