12.06.2026 18:10
The contract of Tony Popovic, head coach of Australia who will face the Turkish National Team in the World Cup on Sunday, has been extended.
In its first match of the 2026 World Cup, Australia, which will face our National Football Team on Sunday, June 14 at 07:00 TRT, made a surprising signing.
NEW CONTRACT WITH POPOVIC
The Australian Football Federation extended head coach Tony Popovic's contract to ensure stability in the team ahead of the tournament. Federation officials decided to renew the experienced coach's contract, which was set to expire on July 31, until 2027.
WILL MAKE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL HISTORY
The 51-year-old successful coach is set to achieve a first in the country's football with this move. Popovic, who played for Australia in the 2006 World Cup held in Germany, will now be on the sidelines as their coach. Thus, Popovic will become the first person to represent Australia in World Cup tournaments both as a player and as a head coach.
ENDED THE DROUGHT
Tony Popovic, who took charge of the "Socceroos" on September 23, 2024, earned great acclaim by leading the national team to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014.
NO STRANGER TO TURKEY
The Australian coach, well-known to football fans in our country, managed Süper Lig team Kardemir Karabükspor during the 2017-2018 football season and led the red-and-blue team in 11 matches.