Overview
- Tony Popovic says this Socceroos group can do something special at the World Cup and refuses to place ceilings on their ambitions.
- The coach insists Australia has regained its hard-nosed identity, pointing to the bruising 2-1 loss to the United States as evidence of renewed physicality.
- He reports an expanded player pool with 15–20 contenders now in the frame and keeps the door open for late bolters into the squad.
- Strong form, including June wins over Japan and Saudi Arabia, sealed qualification and has Australia close to Pot 2 for the draw pending November results.
- Popovic confirms his contract runs to the end of the World Cup but says he is planning for sustained success, including the 2027 Asian Cup.