Australia head coach Tony Popovic has said it would be “wonderful” if Donald Trump attended the Socceroos’ World Cup match against the United States in Seattle, suggesting the presence of the U.S. President could serve as extra motivation for his side.

Trump is expected to attend matches involving the co-host nation during the tournament, including the group-stage clash against Australia at Seattle’s 72,000-seat stadium on June 19.

“I don’t know if he wants to come and watch the U.S. play, I’m sure I’d expect him to come and watch them at the World Cup,” Popovic told reporters in Sydney on Monday. “If he chooses to watch Australia, that’s wonderful for us. It would make it even more special in trying to win that game.”

Australia midfielder and occasional captain Jackson Irvine recently criticised FIFA’s decision to award Trump its inaugural Peace Prize, calling it a “mockery” of the organisation’s Human Rights Policy and raising concerns about LGBT rights in the United States.

Popovic, however, said he is not focused on the political climate in the U.S. as he prepares for Australia’s pre-World Cup training camp in Sarasota, Florida.

The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, begins on June 11.

Australia head coach Tony Popovic said the Socceroos had no negative experiences during their recent time in the United States and are looking forward to returning for their World Cup preparations.

“We’ve already been in the U.S. in October and November. We’ve had no issues there,” Popovic said, referring to Australia’s friendly matches. “We’ve enjoyed both experiences — on and off the park. We were well looked after. We had a great time, whether that was casually or professionally with training and playing.”

Popovic also downplayed midfielder Jackson Irvine’s recent comments criticising FIFA’s decision to award Donald Trump its inaugural Peace Prize, saying his focus remains solely on the squad.

“Jackson’s a big boy. He has his opinions. My focus is on the team and that’s not really something I’ve wasted any energy on,” he added.

A group of eight players are set to arrive at Australia’s Florida training camp this week, including 2022 World Cup squad members Harry Souttar and Mathew Leckie, with more players joining as their club seasons finish.

Centre-back Souttar has played very little over the past 18 months following an Achilles injury in late 2024, while 35-year-old Leckie has been working his way back after hip surgery.

Popovic suggested both players remain in contention for the final World Cup squad if they prove their fitness in Florida, praising Leckie’s recent performance despite Melbourne City’s playoff defeat to Auckland FC.

“Mathew Leckie was the best player on the park at 35, with no football under his belt,” he said. “That’s the difference, and that’s what you need at a World Cup. Now whether he makes the World Cup will come down to his body.”