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As soon as Tony Popovic finally brought together his initial Socceroos squad, the recently appointed coach presented a range of requirements. The majority were straightforward and concise – perfect given the disruption surrounding his abrupt entry, following Graham Arnold’s departure, and with under three weeks to make arrangements for critical 2026 World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan.

Popovic maintained that any player who aimed to represent in a Socceroos shirt would need to adopt an “elite” mentality to deserve, or maintain that distinction. But there was an additional theme. Less a demand and a call to greatness – and one that has been cast more distinctly into focus with each step taken on the journey towards the World Cup in North America.

“My expectations were to do something remarkable, in my first talk to the players,” Popovic says. “That hasn’t changed.”

Just over a year on from that meeting in an Adelaide hotel, a lot of other things have evolved, even if Popovic’s ambitions remain the same. The coach, for one, seems really settled as Socceroos boss. The 52-year-old’s reputation for discipline sharply contrasts with the open and at times light-hearted figure speaking freely for over an hour in what have become periodic discussions with football media. So too have the results of his team changed, with memories of a setback to Bahrain and tie with Indonesia appearing fairly distant after victories over Japan and Saudi Arabia in June booked the Socceroos’ spot in next year’s worldwide tournament.

Those wins came as part of an 11-game winning streak under Popovic, one that was only broken away by the United States earlier this month. It’s form that has taken the Socceroos to the unlikely brink of breaking into pot two in the World Cup draw. The performances 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 last games of European qualifying – carry weight in this context.

While Popovic admits that he began in the job thinking to only be able to rely on a main squad 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 genuine international players. There are also the likes of Miloš Degenek’s return from the sidelines and Paul Izzo’s growth into a bona fide Socceroos keeper with the capability to challenge Maty Ryan.

“The squad has totally 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 really have much outside of this. Just manage and make them better.’ Now, I believe like there are 15, 20 players that have come into that, and I’m certain there are others to come that I trust can help make us better as a squad at the World Cup.”

This unforeseen appearance of talent, and the transformation in thinking it has sparked in Popovic, has created opportunities for players on the edges of the squad. Even those not yet regarded within those ranks can hold out hope that, in June next year, they could be on the flight. A player like Adrian Segečić might be about to sit out a month of playing due to an ankle injury, but if he – or any other player – keeps to deliver regularly, then the coach is emphasizing they’re in with a shot of being part of his plans.

“I don’t want to put a limit or a halt on that – to announce 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 chance. Why can’t there be one more player that joins in June?”

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

“Saying I want to do something exceptional is just ‘we don’t want to have restrictions’,” 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 emphasize it to the group: one day, Australia will go a long way in the World Cup. And why not this group? Why do we have to wait two or three World Cups, when I’m watching and praising something special from the Socceroos? Why should we have restrictions? Why not do it now?”