Tony Popovic
Tony Popovic is the most successful Australian club coach of his generation, built on the foundation of his legendary stint at Western Sydney Wanderers, where he won the 2014 AFC Champions League in just the club's second season of existence. His teams are defensively organised, physically committed, and hard to break down — qualities that served Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory well in the A-League. Taking charge of the Socceroos in 2024, he inherits a squad in transition post-Graham Arnold and must balance experienced European-based players with emerging talent, all while navigating a notoriously difficult Asian qualifying path.
Sydney, Australia · 1973-07-04
Profile
Tony Popovic is an Australian coaching lifer who built his reputation at Western Sydney Wanderers, winning the 2014 AFC Champions League — the first Australian club to do so. A former Socceroos centre-back himself, Popovic favours a disciplined, compact defensive shape with quick vertical transitions. He took charge of the national team ahead of this cycle and has pushed a younger generation into the squad while maintaining the defensive organisation that defined his club work.
Career
Australia2024 – presentAustralia2023 – 2026
Melbourne Victory2021 – 2024
Xanthi2020 – 2021
Perth Glory2018 – 2020
Kardemir Karabükspor2017
Western Sydney Wanderers2012 – 2017Team identity
Popovic typically sets Australia in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 that prioritises defensive compactness and rapid counter-attacks. Jackson Irvine drives forward from central midfield while Connor Metcalfe — also from St. Pauli — provides relentless pressing from a wider position. Nestory Irankunda and Awer Mabil stretch defences in behind, and the team looks to win the ball high and transition quickly rather than sustain possession through elaborate build-up.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Australia's manager at the 2026 World Cup?
Tony Popovic is the head coach of Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What is Tony Popovic's background?
Tony Popovic is the most successful Australian club coach of his generation, built on the foundation of his legendary stint at Western Sydney Wanderers, where he won the 2014 AFC Champions League in just the club's second season of existenc…