Popovic turns down four-year Socceroos contract extension

Tony Popovic could have secured his future with the Socceroos through the 2030 World Cup. Instead, he chose a six-month extension that runs through the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, beginning in January.

“It was my choice to go until the Asian Cup,” Popovic told journalists on Tuesday. “Although I was offered a four-year deal, I decided to go to the Asian Cup.” He said the shorter agreement also gives Football Australia room to make a different decision if it wants to.

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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 guided Australia to the round of 32 at the World Cup in the United States. The team opened with a win over Türkiye, then lost to the United States and drew with Paraguay before Egypt ended its run in a penalty shoot-out. Australia fielded the youngest squad among all 48 World Cup teams, with an average age of 25 years and 155 days.

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I love coaching the Socceroos.

Several players from the squad have since signed transfer contracts worth up to $33 million. They include Lucas Herrington with Hull City, Nestory Irankunda with Sporting Lisbon, Alessandro Circati with Benfica, Patrick Beach with Troyes and Paul Okon-Engstler with Köln.

Asked whether he wanted to continue as Socceroos coach, Popovic did not give a direct answer. He said he loved coaching Australia and had focused on building for the future even without a long-term contract. His choices included selecting a young squad, giving players opportunities and changing the team substantially over 12 months. Popovic’s decision also leaves open the possibility of pursuing a club contract after using the World Cup as a showcase for his coaching.

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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.