Mile Jedinak joins Socceroos coaching staff ahead of FIFA World Cup as Australia reveals warm-up opponents
Former Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak (pictured) will join Tony Popovic's coaching staff for the FIFA World Cup. (Getty Images: Jon Hobley)
In short:
Mile Jedinak has joined Tony Popovic's coaching staff ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jedinak, a former Socceroos captain, joins alongside fellow ex-Socceroos players Hayden Foxe and Paul Okon.
Australia also revealed it face two of Curacao, China and Cameroon at home in March as warm-ups for the World Cup.
Former Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak has joined Tony Popovic's coaching staff ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Football Australia revealed the team's warm-up matches for the tournament.
Jedinak, who wore the green and gold 79 times (scoring 20 goals) and the armband for 36 of them between 2008-2018, joins as Popovic's third assistant, alongside fellow ex-Socceroos Hayden Foxe and Paul Okon.
The 41-year-old most recently had assistant coaching spells under former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.
"It's an honour to return to the Socceroos in an official capacity," Jedinak said.
"I'm looking forward to working with Tony and his coaching staff. They have done an outstanding job qualifying the Socceroos directly for the FIFA World Cup, and I am confident that I can contribute."
Popovic, who has watched his Australian side suffer three consecutive friendly defeats since overseeing seven straight wins, was equally as excited to have Jedinak, another Sydney United junior, on board.
"I am delighted to welcome Mile to our coaching staff, joining Hayden and Paul," Popovic said.
"It's fantastic to have another former Socceroo involved in the coaching staff."
Cameroon, headlined by Bryan Mbeumo (pictured), will be heading to Australia for World Cup warm-ups. (Getty Images: Torbjorn Tande)
The Socceroos have been drawn in Group D, alongside co-hosts USA, Paraguay and either Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo, for the World Cup beginning on June 12.
Next up, though, is a four-team home series in March.
The world number 27 Australians will only play two of the three touring nations.
First-time World Cup qualifiers Curacao, the Caribbean minnows currently ranked 81st, will make the trip across the Pacific Ocean for possibly a first clash against Australia at any level.
Five-time African champions Cameroon (45) and China (93) are also heading Down Under.
AAP