On the day Football Australia announced the Socceroos' latest warm-up matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the governing body also confirmed Tony Popovic's coaching staff for the challenge in North and Central America has been boosted.
Former skipper Mile Jedinak, who wore the green and gold 79 times (scoring 20 goals) and the armband for 36 of them between 2008-2018, joins as Popovic's third assistant, alongside fellow ex-Socceroos Hayden Foxe and Paul Okon.
Jedinak most recently had assistant coaching spells under former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.
"It's an honour to return to the Socceroos in an official capacity," 41-year-old Jedinak, who featured at three World Cups as a player and also had stints as Aston Villa academy coach and loan development coach from 2020 to 2023, 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."
Popovic, who has watched his Australian side suffer three consecutive friendly defeats since overseeing seven straight wins, was equally as excited to have Jedinak, another Sydney United junior, on board.
"I am delighted to welcome Mile to our coaching staff, joining Hayden and Paul," Popovic said.
"It's fantastic to have another former Socceroo involved in the coaching staff."
The Socceroos have been drawn in Group D, alongside co-hosts USA, Paraguay and either Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo, for the World Cup beginning on June 12.
Next up though is a four-team home series in March.
The world No.27 Australians will only play two of the three touring nations.
First-time World Cup qualifiers Curacao, the Caribbean minnows currently ranked 81st, will make the trip across the Pacific Ocean for possibly a first clash against Australia at any level.
Five-time African champions Cameroon (45) and China (93) are also heading Down Under.
