Cristian Volpato: 2026 World Cup Star Tests Positive for Cocaine

Australia international and Socceroos midfielder Cristian Volpato is under police investigation after allegedly testing positive for cocaine during a roadside drug test in Sydney.

The 22-year-old footballer, who represented Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, was reportedly stopped twice by officers from the New South Wales Police during the early hours of the same night for separate traffic offences.

According to police, Volpato was first pulled over at about 11 p.m. local time after he was allegedly caught driving between 86km/h and 94km/h in a 60km/h speed zone. A roadside breathalyser test was conducted, with the result returning negative for alcohol.

Approximately two hours later, the midfielder was stopped again while driving a BMW Coupe after he was allegedly recorded travelling at 109km/h on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge, where the maximum speed limit is 60km/h.

During the second traffic stop, officers carried out a roadside drug test, which allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine. Police subsequently collected a second sample for laboratory analysis to confirm the preliminary test result.

Authorities confirmed that Volpato was issued a speeding fine and that his international driver’s licence had been suspended for six months, barring him from driving in New South Wales during that period.

Despite the allegations, police said no criminal charges have been filed against the footballer, adding that investigations remain ongoing pending the outcome of the laboratory analysis.

Volpato was part of Australia’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he made three appearances. After remaining on the bench during the Socceroos’ opening group-stage match against Turkey, he featured against the United States and Paraguay before also playing in Australia’s Round of 32 penalty shootout defeat to Egypt.

The midfielder officially switched his international allegiance to Australia in May after previously representing Italy at various youth levels. Prior to the World Cup, his only senior appearance for the Socceroos came in an international friendly against Switzerland in June.

Reacting to the reports, Football Australia acknowledged the situation in a brief statement issued through Australian broadcaster ABC.

The federation said it was “aware of the allegations involving one of our players,” but declined to comment further while police investigations continue.

The outcome of the laboratory analysis is expected to determine whether any additional legal or sporting action will be taken against the midfielder.