On the eve of Australia’s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D clash with Turkey, Football Australia has announced a major vote of confidence in men’s national team head coach Tony Popovic: a contract extension that will keep him at the helm through the start of 2027.
The 52-year-old manager, a former Socceroos player himself, only took the position in September 2024, but quickly guided the Australian side through a successful qualification campaign that booked their spot in the expanded 48-team World Cup tournament. Under the new terms of the deal, Popovic will also lead Australia through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, scheduled to be held across Saudi Arabia in January and early February of that year.
Speaking ahead of his side’s first World Cup group stage match Saturday, Popovic emphasized that his full focus remains on the tournament at hand, rather than the new contract. “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 Turkey, the United States, and Paraguay,” he said, outlining the three tough opponents Australia will face in the opening round of the competition.
The contract extension announcement comes amid significant anticipation for the Socceroos’ World Cup run, with fans and governing body officials alike signaling approval of Popovic’s early work rebuilding the national squad following his appointment last year.