Veljko Paunovic named new head coach of Serbia national football team

BELGRADE - Veljko Paunovic has been officially named new head coach of the Serbia men's national football team, succeeding Dragan Pixie Stojkovic, who resigned after a recent 1-0 home defeat to Albania.

The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) said Paunovic would be in charge of the national team for the remainder of the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.

"Chances of qualification still exist, which is the very reason why Veljko Paunovic, together with his coaching staff, has accepted to lead the national team in the matches against England and Latvia," the FSS said in a statement.

FSS Secretary General Branko Radujko said discussions about a long-term contract with Paunovic would be continued after the two qualifying games, irrespective of their outcome.

Serbia face England away on November 13 and Latvia at home on November 16.

Paunovic won the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand with Serbia in 2015.