As the boys in green and gold prepared for the all-important final Group D fixture, the 13-year-old from Reservoir in Melbourne was bestowed with the honour of a unique role in the build-up to the fixture.
Emerging from the tunnel into a cauldron atmosphere at the the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in California, the teenager walked out in front of the officials, teams and flag-bearers in the lead-up to kick off.
The Melbourne boy was one of seven Australians picked to carry out these duties in the Americas at this year’s men’s World Cup.
Now, the youngster has reflected on an experience that will stay with him for life, as he helped to get the festivities under way as the Socceroos secured their passage to the knockout rounds in the match that ensued.
“I’m always carrying a ball wherever I go, I just love the sport,” he told ABC Melbourne, as he reflected on a his cameo on the biggest stage in world sport in front of 70,000 spectators.
“I think it was a full-house of 70,000, to shake a professional soccer player’s hand and be next to them is a good feeling.“
During the broadcast, Grapsas also name-checked Shepparton as he reflected on the role the city played in igniting his passion for the beautiful game.
The youngster proudly displayed a photograph of him representing his local team Northcote City at the Shepparton Cup previously, beaming with pride as he recalled his own forays on the field in a playing capacity.
Coming into the final group game, Australia arrived in Santa Clara in the knowledge that a single point would be enough to earn a place in the Round of 32, following on from a win over Türkiye and a loss against the United States.
In the end, Tony Popovic’s men saw out a 0-0 stalemate against the Paraguayans to set up what promises to be a compelling winner-takes-all battle against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the last 32.
“To see him actually come out with all the spectators, all the Aussies, the music, I don’t usually tear up for many things, but when he came out, it all let go,” dad Peter Grapsas said.
“It was all over for me.”
Mum Alexandra Grapsas also spoke of her pride at her boy’s achievements as he prepared to tick off a true bucket list item.
“Not long ago, you represented Australia at the Kia OMBC International Tournament in LA, competing against incredible teams from Argentina, Brazil, and UK,” she said on social media.
Watching you and your teammates has made us all so proud. Now, another amazing memory to add to the list. We are beyond proud of you son.’’
Commenting on the news that seven of the club’s players would be heading over to the Americas to represent Australia as official match ball carriers, Northcote City issued a message of good luck to its young stars.
“Congratulations to 7 of our Northcote City players who over the next 5 weeks will represent Australia as Kia’s Official Match Ball Carriers at the FIFA World Cup,” it wrote.
“In September 2025, Vinnie Vernucci, Johnny Bakatselos, Dean Kotsopoulos, Sebastian Grapsas, Jay Wilkinson-Gibb, Christiano Nikolaidis & Xavier Nicolaidis, participated in the Kia Cup and won the tournament undefeated.
“The prize was two fully paid trips to America for each player and guardian.
“The boys became part of Kia’s 49th World Cup squad and competed in a world tournament in March 2026 in Los Angeles, representing Australia and coming 4th over all after Brazil, Korea Republic & Argentina..
“Over the next 5 weeks, the boys will jet back over to America to be match ball carriers at a FIFA World cup match.
“Good luck boys and do Northcote City proud!”
