Appointed in September 2024, following Graham Arnold\u2019s departure in late 2024, the Sydney native successfully navigated the final stages of World Cup qualification.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It was my choice to go until the Asian Cup. Although I was offered a four-year deal, I decided to go to the Asian Cup,\" Popovic told journalists on Tuesday, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"And I think that is something that I think is good. It gives the FA the opportunity if they want to go in a different decision they can, and I'm very comfortable with the decision that's been made.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Under Popovic's leadership, the Socceroos reached the round of 32 knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, where the team lost to Egypt in a penalty shoot-out.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Capped 58 times as a player, Popovic is the first individual to represent the Socceroos at a FIFA World Cup as both a player and a head coach, 20 years after appearing in the drought-breaking 2006 tournament. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The World Cup qualifying campaign was underpinned by the Socceroos\u2019 equal second-longest unbeaten streak, while Popovic's first 11 games marked the second-longest unbeaten start to a Socceroos coaching career.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I love coaching the Socceroos,\" he said. \"When we qualified there was obviously 12 months before the World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I ended up signing [his six-month contract] the last week before the first [World Cup] match, and we started this evolution of the team for 12 months without knowing whether I'd be there or not.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I love coaching the Socceroos,\" he said. \"When we qualified there was obviously 12 months before the World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Popovic said he was happy to make those decisions without the security of a long-term contract. \"I had no concerns about whether I signed or not and if I hadn't signed I would have been happy with what I had done and what I have left behind. The same will be after the Asian Cup. I know the legacy that I will leave behind. And if it's someone else that takes it forward, that's fine; if it's me, great, if we agree to do this together,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n