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The moment Tony Popovic finally gathered his maiden Socceroos squad, the recently appointed coach outlined a series of requirements. Most were clear and direct – perfect considering the disruption surrounding his unexpected entry, following Graham Arnold’s resignation, and with less than three weeks to get ready for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against China and Japan.

Popovic asserted that any player who hoped to represent in a Socceroos shirt would need to adopt an “top-tier” mentality to earn, or maintain that distinction. But there was a further point. Not so much an order and more an evocation – and one that has been thrown more distinctly into focus with every step taken on the path towards the World Cup in North America.

“My expectations were to do something remarkable, in my initial talk to the players,” Popovic says. “That stays constant.”

Just over a year on from that gathering in an Adelaide hotel, many of other things have shifted, even if Popovic’s ambitions are the same. The coach, for one, appears truly comfortable as Socceroos manager. The 52-year-old’s image for strictness stands in stark contrast with the approachable and at times jovial figure holding court for over an hour in what have become frequent sit-downs with football media. Likewise have the results of his team changed, with thoughts of a defeat to Bahrain and stalemate with Indonesia appearing fairly far off after successes over Japan and Saudi Arabia in June booked the Socceroos’ place in next year’s worldwide tournament.

Those victories came as part of an 11-game winning streak under Popovic, one that was only ended away by the United States earlier this month. It’s momentum that has taken the Socceroos to the surprising brink of breaking into pot two in the World Cup draw. The outcomes of November friendlies against Venezuela, presently placed 50th in the world, and 13th-ranked Colombia – as well as Ecuador’s games against Canada and New Zealand, and the remaining games of European qualifying – loom large in this regard.

Although Popovic concedes that he arrived in the job assuming to only be able to rely on a main squad of players, he now believes the selection he can call upon has grown. This doesn't only come through the rise of talented youth such as Nestory Irankunda, Max Balard, or Mohamed Touré as genuine international players. There are also the cases of Miloš Degenek’s comeback from the sidelines and Paul Izzo’s growth into a bona fide Socceroos keeper with the capability to challenge 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 apart from this. Just get by and make them better.’ Now, I believe like there are 15, 20 players that have joined that, and I’m certain there are additional ones to come that I trust can help make us better as a squad at the World Cup.”

This unforeseen rise of talent, and the change in outlook it has inspired in Popovic, has opened the door for players on the periphery of the squad. Even those not yet considered among those circle can remain optimistic that, by June next year, they could be on the plane. A player like Adrian Segečić might be about to miss a month of playing due to an ankle injury, but if he – or any other player – continues to play steadily, then the coach is emphasizing they’re highly likely of being part of his plans.

“I don’t want to put a limit or a end 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 know that they have an possibility. Why can’t there be another player that steps up in June?”

But this expansion, in a way, returns us to Popovic’s introductory address as Socceroos head coach. For just as much as he wants players to impress him, to do something outstanding and exceed the expectations others have for them, he wants his team to have the same philosophy.

“Saying I want to do something unique is just ‘we don’t want to have boundaries’,” Popovic says. “We don’t want to pigeonhole ourselves into ‘let’s be contenders at the World Cup, and let’s go home and pat each other on the back for being there’.

“I emphasize it to the group: one day, Australia will go deep 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 praising something remarkable from the Socceroos? Why should we have boundaries? Why not do it now?”