Serbia Names Veljko Paunovic as New National Team Coach

Veljko Paunovic appointed Serbia Coach amidst World Cup Qualification crunch

Serbia has appointed Veljko Paunovic as their new national team coach, tasked with guiding the team through crucial World Cup qualifying matches.

“Veljko Paunovic has shown from day one that he puts the interests of the national football team above all else...”

Serbia has appointed Veljko Paunovic as their new national team coach, replacing Dragan Stojkovic, who resigned after a 1-0 loss to Albania. This significant change comes as Serbia faces crucial World Cup qualifiers.

Paunovic's first challenge will be to guide Serbia through their remaining World Cup qualifying matches against England on November 13 and Latvia on November 16. With England already topping the group, Serbia aims to secure a playoff spot, currently sitting third in Group K with 10 points.

Its official!

Veljko Paunovic is the new Serbia manager.

We have been waiting for you.

Welcome back 👑 🇷🇸 pic.twitter.com/F35e4bQc7m

— Serbian Football (@SerbianFooty) October 30, 2025

The Serbian Football Association has swiftly appointed Veljko Paunovic as their new head coach, capitalizing on his impressive track record, including leading the country's Under-20 team to World Cup victory in 2015.

Paunovic's recent tenure with Oviedo ended abruptly when he was sacked earlier this month, despite successfully guiding the team to promotion to LaLiga after a 24-year absence. At the time of his departure, Oviedo sat 17th, having won two games.

“Veljko Paunovic has shown from day one that he puts the interests of the national football team above all else,” Branko Radujko, the Secretary General of the Football Association of Serbia, said in a statement.

"His priority was not a contract or financial terms, but to immediately make himself available to the Football Association of Serbia and take over the team at such an important moment.”

Serbia's World Cup qualification hopes now hinge on securing a playoff spot, as England has already topped the group. Veljko Paunovic's first challenge as the new coach will be to lead the team against England on November 13, followed by a match against Latvia on November 16.

“The results of these two matches will in no way affect Veljko Paunovic's status in the future,” Radujko added.

“We will continue discussions about his long-term contract after the end of these matches, regardless of their outcome.”