Tony Popovic in the news: Australia’s national coach led Socceroos to 2026 World Cup qualification; now facing a tough warm-up showing vs Mexico. Born 1973, ex-player turned manager.
The Socceroos have opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Turkey, highlighting Australia’s diverse, refugee-linked talent. Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Touré provide youth and pace, while Awer Mabil mentors the group. The squad, featuring several players born in refugee camps, sends a clear message: football is for everyone.
Switzerland leads early as Dan Ndoye scores; Australia fights back with Volpato and Yengi among youth lineup. Yengi nets on debut; Irankunda and Souttar impress; Popovic rotates squad ahead of World Cup.
Canada has claimed its first World Cup finals victory with a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar, led by Jonathan David’s hat-trick. Ismael Koné suffers a serious leg injury, while Canada tops Group B with four points after two matches. Next up: Switzerland in Vancouver.
Australia has secured a famous victory in Group D, with Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe scoring, rookie keeper Patrick Beach making crucial saves, and coach Popovic reshuffling the starting XI to include 10 World Cup debutants. The win keeps them level with the United States ahead of a meeting in Seattle.
Iraq has earned its place at the 2026 World Cup under Australian coach Graham Arnold, marking the country’s return to the tournament after 40 years. Arnold has steered the team through a lengthy qualifying campaign, with travel disruptions and geopolitical tensions shaping the road to the tournament.