Tony Popovic has been appointed as the new head coach of the Socceroos, signing a two-year deal until the end of the 2026 World Cup. The 51-year-old former Australia centre-back takes over after Graham Arnold stepped down last week following a poor start to World Cup qualifying.
Popovic, who won 58 caps for Australia, expressed his honour at leading the national team. 'I am extremely honoured to be given this opportunity,' he said in a statement. 'It's a role that comes with great responsibility, and I'm deeply grateful.'
The Socceroos face a baptism of fire, with their World Cup qualification hanging in the balance after a shock 1-0 home loss to Bahrain and a 0-0 draw away to Indonesia. They must finish in the top two of their six-team group to guarantee a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Popovic's first match in charge will be against China in Adelaide on October 10, a must-win game to stay in contention behind group leaders Japan and second-placed Saudi Arabia. Five days later, the Socceroos face a tough away trip to Japan.
Popovic has been out of work since leaving Melbourne Victory after their A-League Men grand final loss. He previously guided Western Sydney Wanderers to the Asian Champions League title in 2014 and led Perth Glory to the ALM premiership.
