Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic has agreed terms on a new contract extension that will see him coach the national side through to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
The news was confirmed by Football Australia on Friday afternoon ahead of the Socceroos’ opening 2026 FIFA World Cup fixture against Türkiye in Vancouver on Sunday.
“I’m delighted that I will continue to coach the Socceroos through to the AFC Asian Cup 2027,” said Popovic, in a statement released by Football Australia.
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“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the Socceroos, and it is a role that I thoroughly enjoy and one I have never taken for granted. My absolute focus right now is on the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“I’m proud to lead my country into a World Cup, but most importantly, I want to ensure that our team is fully prepared and focused on our group matches against Türkiye, the United States, and Paraguay.
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“From the moment I took over, I have tried to factor in the long-term interests of the Socceroos while ensuring that we achieve the short-term results, which in the first instance was qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
Popovic chalked up 58 appearances for the Socceroos as a player and will now become the first individual to represent his nation as both a player and Head Coach at a FIFA World Cup.
The former Western Sydney Wanderers, Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory boss took charge of the Socceroos in September 2024 and ultimately steered the side to automatic qualification for the showpiece event, something not achieved since 2014.
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“Securing Tony Popovic’s contract extension on the eve of the FIFA World Cup is a fantastic outcome,” said Football Australia CEO, Martin Kugeler.
“Tony is a world-class coach, and he has proven his ability to deliver results while developing talent at the same time.
“Tony’s positive impact on the Socceroos and Football Australia has been clear, from securing direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 12 years, to building out the depth of the squad and laying the foundations for future success.
“We can see the growing excitement among Socceroos fans.
“While the immediate focus is on the FIFA World Cup 2026, this extension provides clarity and enables Football Australia to plan with absolute confidence for the period following the tournament, leading into the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
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“Stability and continuity are vital, especially with our exciting, developing young Socceroos squad. With the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 coming so soon after the World Cup, this provides a natural progression and an opportunity for Tony and the team to build upon the positive momentum generated over the past 21 months.”
In his 18 matches in charge of the national side Popovic has secured 10 wins and four draws, whilst also chalking up an impressive 11 game unbeaten run.
