Australia half-back Will Genia believes the Wallabies can win the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

Michael Cheika named a 31-man squad for the showpiece tournament on Friday, excluding former captain James Horwill and half-back Nic White.

After a run of games that has included winning the Rugby Championship and splitting the two Bledisloe Cup Tests against New Zealand, the Wallabies are full of confidence as they look to win the World Cup for the first time since 1999.

Asked if they could win the tournament, Genia said: "Definitely. I feel like the squad's building.

"Everyone has spoken about the sense of self-belief and obviously it was disappointing against the All Blacks but I don't think it's damaged a lot of the good work we've put in.

"The best thing about getting together now is that we've got a good month improving into the World Cup to continue to develop and improve as players and as a team."

Genia injured his knee in July but said he was back to full fitness and ready to play, with the World Cup not starting until September 18.

The 27-year-old said the only pressure he felt was what he demanded of himself.

"I guess I'm fortunate enough that I've played with the Wallabies for a number of years now and also been to a World Cup," Genia said.

"I don't think it's pressure in that sense but the only pressure I feel is pressure I put on myself to perform, I don't want to let my team-mates down, let Australia down, let the country down.

"I'll work hard to make sure that when I go out there and do play that I'll be ready to go and play as well as I can."