CommBank Socceroos great Mile Jedinak has officially joined Head Coach Tony Popovic’s coaching staff for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Jedinak joins as the third assistant coach, alongside fellow ex-Socceroos Hayden Foxe and Paul Okon.
CommBank Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic welcomed Jedinak, who most recently had assistant coaching spells under former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.
“I am delighted to welcome Mile to our coaching staff, joining Hayden (Foxe) and Paulo (Okon),” Popovic said.
“It’s fantastic to have another former Socceroo involved in the coaching staff.
“I look forward to working with Mile alongside the rest of our Coaching staff.
“He has recently gained valuable coaching experience working with Ange Postecoglou in the Premier League. I’m sure he will be an excellent addition to our group both on and off the park as we continue our preparation towards the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
Winning his first CommBank Socceroos cap against Singapore in 2008 (Socceroo Cap #509), Jedinak went on to win 79 caps (scoring 20 goals) and featured in three FIFA World Cups. He captained his nation 36 times.
Jedinak, who also had stints as Aston Villa academy coach and loan development coach from 2020 to 2023, said he was proud to return to the Socceroos fold.
“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.
“I was always proud to wear the Socceroos shirt, and especially proud to captain my national team. Now, I look forward to playing a part and representing my country, in a different capacity.”
The Socceroos have been drawn in FIFA World Cup Group D, alongside co-host USA, Paraguay and the winner of the UEFA Play-Off C (Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo).