Tony Popovic has signed a short-term contract extension that'll keep him at the helm of the Socceroos through to next year's Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

The deal tacks on an extra seven months to his current agreement, which was set to expire after the 2026 World Cup. Football Australia had been hoping to lock him in for the full next World Cup cycle, but the proximity of the Asian Cup — kicking off on January 7, 2027 — appears to have prompted this shorter arrangement.

“I’m delighted that I will continue to coach the Socceroos through to the AFC Asian Cup 2027,” Popovic said in a statement.

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to lead the Socceroos, and it’s a role that I thoroughly enjoy and one I’ve never taken for granted.”

The Socceroos have been drawn in Group D for the Asian Cup alongside Tajikistan, Singapore, and Graham Arnold’s Iraq. It's a tournament Popovic will fancy they can win — especially if they first enjoy a productive World Cup campaign.

“My absolute focus right now is on the FIFA World Cup 2026. I’m proud to lead my country into a World Cup, but most importantly, I want to ensure that our team is fully prepared and focused on our group matches against Turkey, the United States, and Paraguay.”

Popovic already knows what it's like to lift a trophy in Saudi Arabia. It was in Riyadh where he steered Western Sydney Wanderers to victory in the 2014 AFC Champions League final against Al Hilal — arguably the greatest club-level achievement in Australian soccer history.

The length of the new deal also gives him room to evaluate his options after the Asian Cup, or entertain interest from elsewhere in world football.

Football Australia chief executive Martin Kugeler said the “stability and continuity” offered by Popovic’s extension was important given the young, developing nature of the current Socceroos playing group.

“Tony is a world-class coach, and he’s proven his ability to deliver results while developing talent at the same time,” Kugeler said.

“Tony’s positive impact on the Socceroos and Football Australia has been clear, from securing direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 12 years, to building out the depth of the squad and laying the foundations for future success.”

Popovic took over the national team job in late 2024, replacing Graham Arnold. He secured direct World Cup qualification — something Australia hadn't achieved since 2014 — and has been praised for blooding young talent while still getting results.

The extension means Popovic will lead the Socceroos into both the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. If he delivers silverware at either tournament, he could write his name into Australian sporting history.