The Serbian Football Association (FSS) officially announced on Thursday the appointment of Veljko Panovic as the national team coach. He will lead the Serbian team in the World Cup qualifiers on November 13 and 16, against England and Latvia respectively.

Serbia currently sits third in Group K of the European World Cup qualifiers with 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses), just one point behind Albania. They must win at least one of their remaining two matches, or they will lose their chance to directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Regarding the appointment, Serbian Football Association General Secretary Blanco Radujko stated: "From the very first day in office, Veljko Panovic has demonstrated his determination to put the national team's interests above all else. His priority was not contracts or salaries, but immediately clarifying his position to the Serbian Football Association and taking over the team at this crucial moment. He clearly stated his commitment to the next two World Cup qualifiers and his determination to fight to the end, even if the odds are slim."

"We believe that his arrival will inspire the players, boost the team's morale, and turn the tide. As long as there is a glimmer of hope, we will never give up."

"The result of the match will not affect Veljko Panovic's future job placement. Regardless of the result, we will continue to negotiate a long-term contract with him after the World Cup qualifiers."

The 48-year-old Panovic initially worked in youth academy for Serbia's U18, U19, and U20 teams before coaching Chicago Fire, Reading, Guadalajara, and Tigres de Mexico. He officially took over Real Oviedo in March of this year and led the team back to La Liga after a 24-year absence through the promotion playoffs.

However, Panovic became the first La Liga manager to be sacked earlier this month for the 2025/26 season. In the final stages of his tenure, Oviedo suffered defeats against Villarreal, Real Madrid, Getafe, Elche, Barcelona, and Levante, finishing 17th in La Liga with 6 points from 2 wins and 6 losses.