The Subway Socceroos have found their Graham Arnold replacement, turning to former Melbourne Victory head coach and AFC Champions League-winning boss Tony Popovic.
Popovic swiftly takes charge ahead of next month’s crucial 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan following last week’s resignation of long-serving boss Arnold.
He has signed a contract through to the end of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Arnold – the longest-serving coach in Socceroos history – resigned with Australia winless through their opening two matches in Round 3 of World Cup qualifying.
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Football Australia (FA) has turned to Popovic to fill the void after he guided Victory to last season’s Isuzu UTE A-League Grand Final before departing AAMI Park, while he won the 2014 AFC Champions League with Western Sydney Wanderers in what remains the biggest achievement by an A-Leagues club.
The former Victory, Perth Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers boss will hit the ground running, with the Socceroos set to host China on October 10 before travelling to Japan to face high-flying Samurai Blue on October 15.
“I am extremely honoured to be given this opportunity to lead the Subway Socceroos as head coach. It’s a role that comes with great responsibility, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity,” said Popovic.
“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.
“I fully understand the weight of responsibility and the high expectations that come with this position. The Subway 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.”
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Popovic – a 58-time Australia international – was a free agent after leaving Victory at the end of 2023-24.
His Victory came within a whisker of the Isuzu UTE A-League Championship last season, losing to Central Coast Mariners 3-2 in extra time.
Across his three seasons at AAMI Park, Popovic won the Australia Cup with Victory in 2021 and took the club to a second-place finish in his first Isuzu UTE A-League campaign.
Victory finished 11th in the following season but swiftly bounced back in 2023-24, finishing third on the table and reaching the Grand Final – a game Popovic’s side led 1-0 at the 90-minute mark before succumbing to a 3-1 extra-time defeat to the Mariners.
Popovic coached 85 league games across three seasons at Victory. He won 34 of those 85 games, drew 26 and lost 25.
The 51-year-old is a five-time runner-up in the Isuzu UTE A-League and a two-time Premiership winner as a coach in the competition, but he has had an impact wherever he has been.
An ex-Crystal Palace and Sanfrecce Hiroshima defender, Popovic has conquered Asian football, however, via the Wanderers.
FA Chairman Anter Isaac said: “Tony Popovic’s appointment represents an exciting new chapter for the Subway Socceroos at a critical stage.
“As a player, Tony represented our nation proudly and with distinction at every age group. As a coach, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to develop winning teams through his attention to detail, meticulous planning, and ability to harmonise a collective focus, and like Graham was, we know he will be welcomed warmly by all our Subway Socceroos players, staff, and fans as we continue to work towards FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualification.
“We are proud and delighted to have Tony on board and look forward to supporting him as he builds momentum with the team under his stewardship. His leadership, beginning immediately, will be vital as we head into the upcoming qualifiers.”
“We are delighted to confirm Tony Popovic as the head coach of the Subway Socceroos,” said FA CEO James Johnson.
“Tony’s proven leadership and strategic football acumen combined with his deep understanding of Australian football, our players, and what it means to be a Socceroo, makes him the ideal choice to lead our national team moving forward. His international experience, particularly across Asia, both as a player and a coach, further strengthens his ability to navigate the global football landscape and drive success for Australia on the world stage.
“We have moved swiftly to secure the best possible candidate for this crucial role. Our prompt action reflects our commitment to maintaining the momentum and success of the Socceroos program, especially as we are at the beginning of the critical Third Round of AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26.
“As we continue the next phase of FIFA World Cup™ qualification, Tony will play a key role in building on the success of the team and ensuring that we are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. His immediate task will be to lead the squad through the AFC Asian Qualifiers, and we are confident that under his leadership, the team will continue to excel on the international stage.”
