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When Tony Popovic finally brought together his first Socceroos squad, the fresh coach outlined a set of expectations. The majority were straightforward and concise – suitable in light of the disruption following his unexpected arrival, in the wake of Graham Arnold’s exit, and with under three weeks to make arrangements for vital 2026 World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan.

Popovic asserted that any player who hoped to represent in a Socceroos shirt would need to adopt an “top-tier” mindset to deserve, or keep that distinction. But there was an additional point. More an inspiration and more an evocation – and one that has been brought sharper into perspective with any step taken on the path towards the World Cup in North America.

“My hopes were to do something extraordinary, in my first talk to the players,” Popovic says. “That remains the same.”

Just over a year on from that gathering in an Adelaide hotel, many of other things have shifted, even if Popovic’s goals are the same. The coach, for one, seems genuinely comfortable as Socceroos manager. The 52-year-old’s reputation for discipline stands in stark contrast with the approachable and at times light-hearted figure holding court for over an hour in what have become frequent sit-downs with football media. Likewise have the performances of his team improved, with memories of a setback to Bahrain and draw with Indonesia appearing rather remote after successes over Japan and Saudi Arabia in June booked the Socceroos’ place in next year’s international tournament.

Those triumphs came as part of an 11-game undefeated streak under Popovic, one that was only broken away by the United States earlier this month. It’s momentum that has taken the Socceroos to the unexpected edge of entering pot two in the World Cup draw. The outcomes of November friendlies against Venezuela, at the moment placed 50th in the world, and 13th-ranked Colombia – as well as Ecuador’s games against Canada and New Zealand, and the final games of European qualifying – loom large in this regard.

Even though Popovic acknowledges that he started in the job expecting to only be able to depend on a key players of players, he now feels the selection he can rely on has swelled. This doesn't only come through the rise of young players such as Nestory Irankunda, Max Balard, or Mohamed Touré as real international players. There are also the examples of Miloš Degenek’s comeback from the sidelines and Paul Izzo’s growth into a genuine Socceroos keeper with the potential to compete with Maty Ryan.

“The squad has entirely changed in my mind – of what’s possible with players that have entered,” Popovic says. “I first thought, ‘OK, this is my group; I don’t fully have much beyond this. Just manage and make them better.’ Now, I believe like there are 15, 20 players that have entered that, and I’m convinced there are others to come that I feel can help make us better as a squad at the World Cup.”

This surprising rise of talent, and the change in mindset it has brought about in Popovic, has opened the door for players on the periphery of the squad. Even those not yet considered amongst those circle can hold out hope that, come June next year, they could be on the plane. A player like Adrian Segečić might be about to be absent for a month of playing due to an ankle injury, but if he – or any other player – keeps to play consistently, then the coach is emphasizing they’re highly likely of being part of his plans.

“I don’t want to put a restriction or a halt on that – to declare in March that this is our squad, and there may be one or two more additions,” Popovic says. “No, I want every player to feel that they have an possibility. Why can’t there be an additional player that steps up in June?”

But this expansion, in a way, leads back to Popovic’s introductory speech as Socceroos head coach. For just as much as he wants players to exceed expectations him, to do something special and go beyond the expectations others have for them, he wants his team to have the same attitude.

“Saying I want to do something unique is just ‘we don’t want to have limits’,” Popovic says. “We don’t want to box ourselves into ‘let’s be contenders at the World Cup, and let’s go home and celebrate for being there’.

“I repeat it to the group: one day, Australia will go very far in the World Cup. And why not this group? Why do we have to wait two or three World Cups, when I’m observing and applauding something special from the Socceroos? Why should we have restrictions? Why not do it now?”