Football Australia has announced the appointment of Tony Popovic, a former manager who led a team to victory in the Asian Champions League, as the new head coach of the Australian men's national team, a position he will hold until the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

At 51 years old, Popovic takes over from Graham Arnold, who resigned last week following a lackluster start to the Socceroos' World Cup qualification campaign in the Asian region.

“I am truly honored to accept this role as head coach of the Socceroos,” Popovic stated in a press release on Monday. “This position carries significant responsibility, and I am sincerely thankful for the chance to lead.”

“To be given the responsibility of steering our national team is a privilege I hold in high regard.”

Popovic is widely recognized for his achievement in leading the Western Sydney Wanderers to the Asian Champions League title in 2014. He has also enjoyed successful tenures with Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory in Australia’s A-League.

Earlier in his career, Popovic served as an assistant coach at Crystal Palace and has managed teams in Turkey and Greece.

Having earned 58 caps for Australia as a defender, Popovic chose not to extend his contract with Melbourne Victory for the upcoming A-League season, allowing for his swift transition to the Socceroos role just in time for crucial home World Cup qualifiers against China on October 10, followed by an away match in Japan five days later.

Australia has yet to secure a victory in their first two matches of the third stage of qualifiers, following an unexpected defeat to Bahrain on home soil and a lackluster 0-0 draw against Indonesia away.

“We acted quickly to find the most suitable candidate for this important position,” stated FA chief executive James Johnson. “Our swift response demonstrates our dedication to sustaining the momentum and success of the Socceroos program, particularly as we embark on the vital third round of AFC Asian qualifiers.”