Tony Popovic has promised to inject new energy into Australia’s game after being handed the job by replacing Graham Arnold as Socceroos head coach.
Arnold surprisingly stepped down after six years in the job on Friday following a poor start to Australia’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
A 1-0 home defeat to Bahrain and a goalless draw in Indonesia left the Socceroos fifth in the Asian World Cup qualifying standings, with only the top two earning automatic berths in the 48-team tournament.
Since entering management, Popovic has won A-League premiership titles with Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory, as well as leading the former to the AFC Champions League title in 2014.
Former Crystal Palace centre-back Popovic, who won 58 caps for Australia between 1995 and 2006, said there was enough talent available to turn their fortunes around.
“Coaching the Socceroos is probably a dream come true. I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m really excited about it,” Popovic said.
“The Socceroos are in a good position. The season hasn’t started well, but I know there’s enough time, there’s enough games.”
Popovic’s Australia debut in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Group C is a crucial home game against China on October 10. They then face a tough away game against Japan five days later.
“The team probably looks a little bit flat. I don’t think it’s necessary to change too much in the way we play,” Popovic added.
“We’re going to do it with energy, we’re going to do it with passion, and we’re going to do it with speed and a dynamic type of play that I think the players will enjoy.”
Expectations have risen for Australia in recent years, with the team having reached five consecutive World Cups and progressing to the last 16 at Qatar 2022, qualifying from a group that included Denmark and Tunisia.
“Australia have to qualify for the World Cup,” Popovich said.
“Two of the last five times, we’ve qualified automatically, it’s not easy. But shouldn’t we aim for first place? No, we should always try to be the best.
“Going forward, we expect more from qualifying. That’s not a bad thing. Expect more from me.”
