DALLAS, Texas — The Socceroos’ World Cup run ended in the round of 32 after a penalty shootout loss to Egypt, extinguishing hopes of a first-ever knockout-stage victory, according to the report.
The tournament’s sudden conclusion left players, staff and supporters to move on quickly, the report said, even as several other nations responded to early exits by sacking or accepting resignations from their coaches. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman and Ecuador boss Sebastián Beccacece all stepped down after round-of-32 defeats, while South Korea’s Hong Myung‑Bo and Scotland’s Steve Clarke left in the group stage.
Australia’s situation is different. Tony Popovic, 53, was hired on a six-month contract on the eve of the World Cup to lead the Socceroos through next year’s AFC Asian Cup, and Football Australia chief executive Martin Kugeler and football boss Heather Garriock publicly backed the coach after the loss, according to the report. The article also noted little indication the federation has the financial flexibility to replace Popovic and his staff before the continental tournament, and that Holger Osieck remains the last Socceroos manager to have been sacked.
With the World Cup over for Australia, attention turns to the next cycle. The men’s Asian Cup is scheduled to begin in Saudi Arabia in January 2027, and the report suggested winning that tournament should not be beyond consideration.
There is reason for optimism in the squad’s youth. Eight members of Popovic’s World Cup roster were 23 or younger — Lucas Herrington (18), Nestory Irankunda (20), Paul Okon Jr (21), Mohamed Touré (22), Cristian Volpato (22), Alessandro Circati (22), Patrick Beach (22) and Jordan Bos (23) — and each started at least one match, according to the report. Younger players such as Marcus Younis (21, Brøndby IF), Raphael Borges Rodrigues (22, Coventry City), Daniel Bennie (20, Queens Park Rangers) and Garang Kuol (21, Sparta Prague) will return to club duty and aim to build on the World Cup experience ahead of the next major tournament.
