Australian coach Popovic extends his contract in the run-up to the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Australian coach Tony Popovic signed a contract extension on Thursday ahead of the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Turkey, which will take him through to the Asian Cup early next year.

Popovic was appointed in 2024 to replace Graham Arnold, who now coaches Iraq and also at the World Cup.

In the eighteen matches he has been in charge, he has won ten, drawn four and lost four.

«I am very pleased that I will continue to coach the Socceroos through to the Asian Cup,» he said from California, where Australia are preparing for Saturday’s opening Group D match in Vancouver.

“From the moment I took over, I have tried to take into account the long-term interests of the Socceroos while ensuring we achieve the short-term results, which initially meant qualifying for the World Cup.”

The Asian Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5.

“Securing Tony’s contract extension on the eve of the World Cup is a fantastic result,” Football Australia chief Martin Kugeler said.

“While the immediate focus is on the World Cup, this extension provides clarity and allows Football Australia to plan with absolute confidence for the post-tournament period leading up to the Asian Cup.”

Australia, playing in its sixth consecutive World Cup, is also grouped with co-hosts the United States and Paraguay.

Published on June 12, 2026