The Socceroos know one thing ahead of their thrilling trip to the Rose Bowl to play Mexico: 29 players can't fit into 26 spots.
Australia have departed their pre-World Cup training camp in Sarasota, Florida to begin their west coast sojourn.
That starts with facing El Tri at the famous Pasadena stadium that hosted the 1994 men's World Cup final, then the women's decider five years later.
It will also form the final audition before coach Tony Popovic picks his squad, due to be submitted to FIFA on June 1.
Popular forward Archie Thompson was among those scrapping for a spot under Guus Hiddink at the 2006 World Cup and can relate to the current group's attempt to impress his old teammate Popovic.