Australia got its 2026 World Cup qualification campaign back on track by beating China 3-1 on Thursday in coach Tony Popovic’s first game in charge. The Socceroos had picked up just one point from their opening two Group C games in September,

Tony Popovic enjoyed a winning start as Australia coach as the Socceroos surged to a 3-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier against China at Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

The Socceroos have come from behind to beat China 3-1 at Adelaide Oval, handing Tony Popovic victory in his first match as coach.

Minute-by-minute: The Socceroos seek to get their qualification campaign back on track under new coach Tony Popovic. Join Joey Lynch for updates

Circati started both of Australia’s qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 earlier this month as the Socceroos lost to Bahrain on the Gold Coast before drawing with Indonesia in Jakarta.

Socceroos end their goal drought to give new boss Tony Popovic a winning start in front of almost 50,000 fans in Adelaide.

Thursday and resurrect their World Cup qualifying campaign, ensuring Tony Popovic's reign as coach got off to a winning start. Australia started confidently and dominated early possession, winning a series of corners and free-kicks on the edge of the box.