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As soon as Tony Popovic finally assembled his initial Socceroos squad, the new coach outlined a set of requirements. The majority were unambiguous and to the point – ideal considering the turmoil following his abrupt arrival, in the wake of Graham Arnold’s resignation, and with under three weeks to make arrangements for critical 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against China and Japan.

Popovic asserted that any player who aimed to wear a Socceroos shirt would need to take on an “premier” attitude to earn, or maintain that honour. But there was a further message. More an inspiration and an invitation to excel – and one that has been brought more distinctly into view with each step taken on the journey towards the World Cup in North America.

“My hopes were to do something special, in my initial talk to the players,” Popovic says. “That hasn’t changed.”

Just over a year on from that meeting in an Adelaide hotel, plenty of other things have shifted, even if Popovic’s ambitions remain the same. The coach, for one, looks really comfortable as Socceroos manager. The 52-year-old’s reputation for discipline sharply contrasts with the open and at times light-hearted figure engaging openly for over an hour in what have become periodic sit-downs with football media. Similarly have the results of his team improved, with memories of a loss to Bahrain and draw with Indonesia feeling quite far off after successes over Japan and Saudi Arabia in June guaranteed the Socceroos’ place in next year’s worldwide tournament.

Those victories came as part of an 11-game unbeaten run under Popovic, one that was only ended away by the United States earlier this month. It’s form that has taken the Socceroos to the unexpected brink of breaking into pot two in the World Cup draw. The results of November warm-up matches against Venezuela, at the moment ranked 50th in the world, and 13th-ranked Colombia – as well as Ecuador’s games against Canada and New Zealand, and the last games of European qualifying – are significant in this respect.

Even though Popovic concedes that he began in the job thinking to only be able to rely on a core group of players, he now feels the pool he can trust has expanded. This doesn't only come through the rise of youngsters such as Nestory Irankunda, Max Balard, or Mohamed Touré as authentic international players. There are also the likes of Miloš Degenek’s comeback from the obscurity 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 truly have much outside of this. Just make it work and make them better.’ Now, I believe like there are 15, 20 players that have come into that, and I’m convinced there are additional ones to come that I believe can help make us better as a squad at the World Cup.”

This unexpected emergence of talent, and the shift in outlook it has sparked in Popovic, has paved the way for players on the edges of the squad. Even those not yet viewed within those circle can remain optimistic that, in June next year, they could be on the flight. 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 – continues to play regularly, then the coach is stating plainly they’re every chance of being part of his plans.

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

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

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

“I keep saying 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 sitting back and praising something exceptional from the Socceroos? Why should we have restrictions? Why not do it now?”