Popovic, who guided Western Sydney Wanderers to the AFC Champions League title in 2014, has signed a contract that runs until the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada and will commence the role immediately.
The 51-year-old will lead the team into October’s qualifiers against China PR and Japan looking to improve on their recent performances, when the team lost to Bahrain on the Gold Coast before drawing in Jakarta with Indonesia under Arnold.”I am extremely honoured to be given this opportunity to lead the Socceroos as head coach,” Popovic said. “It’s a role that comes with great responsibility, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity.
“This is undoubtedly a very proud moment for myself and my family. To be entrusted with guiding our national team is a privilege that I do not take lightly.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Football Australia for their confidence in my abilities. Their trust motivates me to give my absolute best in this role.”
Popovic takes over with Australia in fifth place in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 on one point, five behind leaders Japan. Saudi Arabia are second, with Bahrain third, Indonesia fourth and China PR sixth.
Only the first two finishers are guaranteed to secure berths for the FIFA World Cup while the third and fourth placed teams will advance to further round of qualifying. The nations in fifth and sixth will be eliminated.
“I fully understand the weight of responsibility and the high expectations that come with this position,” said Popovic. “The Socceroos have a rich history and a passionate fan base, and I’m committed to living up to those expectations.
“Looking ahead, I have great faith and confidence in our ability to grow as a team. Together, we will work tirelessly to improve, evolve, and continue Australia’s success on the international stage.
“I believe we have the talent and determination to make our nation proud.”
Popovic becomes the first member of the Australian side that reached the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup in Germany in 2006 to coach the Socceroos and he brings a wealth of experience to the position.
A former central defender, Popovic started his playing career with Sydney United before going on to have a five-year stint in Japan with Sanfrecce Hiroshima and a five-season spell in England with Crystal Palace.
He started his coaching career as an assistant coach at Sydney FC, where he finished his playing career, before becoming the first-ever head coach of the newly formed Western Sydney Wanderers.
Popovic had instant success with the start-up team, winning the A-League Premiership in 2013 to qualify for the AFC Champions League™, where Wanderers upset the odds to lift the trophy, defeating Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal SFC over two legs in the final.
That success saw him named the AFC Coach of the Year for 2014 and he left Wanderers in 2017 for a short spell with Karabukspor before returning to Australia in 2018 to coach Perth Glory, where he won the A-League Premiership in 2019.
Popovic’s most recent role saw him in charge of Melbourne Victory for three seasons, with the club losing in the A-League Grand Final in June to Central Coast Mariners in his final game before standing down at the end of the season.
