The Socceroos have been given an extra leg-up in their World Cup qualification campaign after their away clash with Lebanon was moved to Canberra.
Australia were already due to host Lebanon in Sydney on Thursday, March 21 but the location of the return leg – to be played in the same window – was uncertain because of the Middle East conflict.
The Lebanese Football Federation has been unable to gain clearance from the AFC to host games on home soil and their most recent “home” qualifier – against Palestine in November – was moved to the UAE.
Instead of travelling to the Middle East to play at a neutral venue, Australia will be given a boost of home support as they bid to reach the third and final round of qualification.
GIO Stadium will host the game on Tuesday, March 26, marking the Socceroos’ return to the national capital for the first time since 2019 when they romped to a 5-0 win over Nepal.
Two wins over Lebanon would guarantee Graham Arnold’s men a passage to the final stage of qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
“I think it’s fantastic we’ve been able to assist a member of our confederation who is facing challenging times,” Arnold said.
“Throughout my time as head coach, we’ve had limited opportunities to play in front of home crowds, so to have two matches in this window in Australia is extremely pleasing.
“I know the players are looking forward to coming home, and we’re expecting Lebanon to throw everything at us in what will be two important matches in our pursuit of the third round of qualification.”
The Socceroos beat Lebanon in their two previous meetings in 2012 and 2018 and have enjoyed a perfect start to qualification thus far with a 7-0 romp over Bangladesh and a hard-fought 1-0 slog against Palestine.
“We’ve been assisting them in the delivery of this match, doing anything we can to support them in what are difficult circumstances,” said FA chief executive James Johnson.
“Our game has an amazing ability to bring people together and our work with Lebanon is the perfect example of that.
“For all intents and purposes this is a home game for Lebanon, despite it being played on Australian soil.”
Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation, said the match was part of the ACT Government’s work with Football Australia to provide regular international football content in the nation’s capital. She predicted that the game would have great flow-on effects for football locally and provide a boost to the local economy.
“Canberra is such a proud sporting community, and I am sure there will be a new generation of fans out there thrilled to be able to see the Socceroos play here in Canberra,” Ms Berry said.
“Soccer is an increasingly popular sport, and I know we are all excited about the prospects of an A-League team here in the nation’s capital. This will be a great taster of what that could look like.
“Tickets will go on sale soon via Ticketek. So make sure you get in quick.”
Capital Football CEO Samanatha Farrow said: “We are delighted to see the Socceroos back in Canberra, and can’t wait to head out to GIO Stadium to see them in action.
“Having the national football team play in the National Capital is exciting for everyone from Canberra and the surrounding region, and is a wonderful opportunity for the football community to head out in numbers and support the Socceroos.
“Canberra has a fantastic history of attracting crowds to see our national teams play, and we are sure that the public will get behind the team and turn GIO stadium into a sea of Green and Gold for this vital FIFA World Cup Qualification match.”
