World Cup: Australia appoint Tony Popovic as qualification hopes hang in the balance

The 51-year-old takes over from Graham Arnold, who quit after the team’s poor start to the latest round of World Cup 2026 qualifiers

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Tony Popovic, the newly appointed head coach for Australia’s national football team, at a press conference in Sydney on Monday. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:14pm, 23 Sep 2024Updated: 1:49pm, 23 Sep 2024

Australia have appointed former Crystal Palace defender Tony Popovic as their new manager, and given him the task of rescuing their faltering World Cup qualifying campaign.

The 51-year-old takes over leading Australia’s men’s national football team from Graham Arnold, who quit on Friday after overseeing a shock 1-0 home defeat to Bahrain and then a scoreless draw with Indonesia.

The losses have left Australia’s World Cup qualification hanging in the balance, with a must-win home game against China on October 10 before a tough away clash in Japan.

They need to finish in the top two of their six-team group to guarantee their spot at the 2026 World Cup or potentially face another round of qualifying.

Football Australia chief James Johnson called Popovic “the best possible candidate”.

Graham Arnold (centre) quit after a scoreless draw with Indonesia (above) and a 1-0 home loss to Bahrain. Photo: AFP

“Tony’s proven leadership and strategic football acumen combined with his deep understanding of Australian football, our players, and what it means to be a Socceroo, makes him the ideal choice to lead our national team, moving forward,” Johnson said.