Football australia: Football Australia has extended head coach Tony Popovic's contract to continue leading the national team through the 2027 Asian Cup, ahead of Australia's campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

According to Qatar News Agency, the federation highlighted Popovic's achievements since taking over from Graham Arnold, now coaching Iraq, noting that he has led Australia in 18 matches with 10 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses.

Popovic, 52, said from California, where Australia prepares to face Turkiye in the Group D opener, that he is pleased to continue leading Australia through the Asian Cup. From day one, he added, he has balanced long-term team building with short-term results, with the primary goal of World Cup qualification.

Australia will make its sixth consecutive World Cup appearance in 2026, drawn in Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay, and Turkiye.