NewsBite

Tony Popovic

Advertisement
Alex Robertson has put together a terrific season in England’s second tier with Cardiff City.

He’s a third-generation Socceroo who says he bleeds green and gold. So why isn’t he playing?

Alex Robertson remains locked in a bizarre stand-off with Football Australia over his eligibility to play for the Socceroos, who he has represented twice before in friendlies.

  • Vince Rugari

Latest

Socceroos star and FC St. Pauli captain Jackson Irvine is out for the rest of the season.

‘It’s certainly a blow’: Irvine injury rocks Socceroos’ World Cup qualifying hopes

First-choice players have been dropping like flies since Tony Popovic took on the top job last September. Star midfielder Jackson Irvine is the latest.

  • Vince Rugari
Australia’s head coach Tony Popovic, left reacts with Australia’s Jackson Irvine after winning a World Cup 2026 group C qualifier match against China held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo)

One last push, and the Socceroos can book their spot at the 2026 World Cup

The equation is simple for Australia after their 2-0 victory in China: win their next match and they’ll seal qualification for next year’s tournament.

  • Vince Rugari
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Nishan Velupillay celebrates a goal during the round three FIFA 2026 World Cup AFC Asian Qualifier match between Australia Socceroos and Indonesia at Allianz Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

It’s early days, but Socceroos believe they can become ‘unstoppable’ under Popovic

Tony Popovic’s Socceroos are clearly a work in progress, as their first 15 minutes against Indonesia showed. But there is clear progress being made.

  • Vince Rugari
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic.

There will be blood (but no lollies): The 1 percenters driving Popovic’s Socceroos

Playing for Tony Popovic is not for the faint of heart – as players like Jackson Irvine are finding out.

  • Vince Rugari
Daniel Arzani in action for Melbourne Victory last week.

Popovic backs age over youth – and a player he blasted – for World Cup tilt

Tony Popovic has given Daniel Arzani an international reprieve – one of many intriguing decisions in his squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers.

  • Vince Rugari
Advertisement
Contenders for the Socceroos squad.

The selection calls that will make or break the Socceroos’ World Cup hopes

Australia’s squad for their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia and China will be named on Friday. With so many injuries to deal with, expect the unexpected from coach Tony Popovic.

  • Vince Rugari
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic

‘One good dribble ... one good trick. It’s not enough’: Popovic demands more from World Cup chasing Socceroos

In his most expansive interview yet since becoming national team boss, Tony Popovic has delivered some home truths to those dreaming of pulling on the green and gold.

  • Vince Rugari
Socceroos skipper Maty Ryan is moving to France.

‘That’s what a captain is’: Socceroos coach praises Ryan as French move beckons

Maty Ryan is set to trade AS Roma for French club RC Lens in a bid to restore his position as the Socceroos’ first-choice goalkeeper ahead of a huge year of World Cup qualifiers.

  • Vince Rugari
Lewis Miller

A perilous path to the 2026 World Cup just got trickier for the Socceroos

Australia’s rollicking 2-2 draw with Bahrain was another surprise result in one of the most bonkers World Cup qualifying groups ever seen.

  • Vince Rugari

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/topic/antony-popovic-1njq