The Socceroos will return to Canberra in their first match since qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Football Australia has confirmed the Socceroos will take on New Zealand at GIO Stadium Canberra on Friday 5 September during the September FIFA Men’s International Window, followed by a match in NZ on 9 September.
The Socceroos were last in Canberra in March last year.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the match will be a great chance to see the Socceroos in Canberra again.
“We look forward to locals and visitors filling GIO Stadium in September,” Mr Barr said.
The ACT Government is encouraging people to attend the match.
“Australia currently holds the Soccer Ashes following a 2-0 victory in 2023!” the ACT Government said in a social media post.
“This is the Socceroos’ first match since qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 26, so don’t miss your chance to cheer them on as they begin their journey to the world stage!
“Let’s fill the stands and show the world Canberra’s football pride!”
The trans-Tasman rivals will once again play for the historic ANZAC Soccer Ashes trophy – following the rediscovery of this unique piece of footballing history in 2023 – a powerful symbol of the two countries’ endearing partnership.
Built by New Zealand trophy maker Harry Mayer in 1923, the Soccer Ashes embody the ANZAC Spirit that has long connected the two nations and forged a sporting rivalry that emerged following Australia’s first-ever ‘A’ International on June 17, 1922.
Constructed from a combination of New Zealand honeysuckle and Australian maple, the elaborate wooden casket contains ashes of cigars smoked by Australian captain, Alex Gibb and New Zealand captain, George Campbell following the first meeting between the two nations on Australian soil in June 1923.
Football Australia interim chief executive officer Heather Garriock said they were excited to bring the Socceroos back to Canberra for a memorable occasion for football fans in the region.
“The community has time and again showed their passion and love for our national teams,” Ms Garriock said.
“The Soccer Ashes illustrates Australia and New Zealand’s deep and ongoing connection and celebrates our shared love of football.
“We’re thrilled that fans in the nation’s capital will be part of another chapter of the long and storied history between our two nations on the pitch.
“It’s also important to acknowledge the ACT Government for their support of our recent fixtures in Canberra, they have demonstrated a strong desire to support our national teams and bring top-flight football to the capital – we value their continued partnership.”
Socceroos’ head coach Tony Popovic said it was always special when Australia played New Zealand.
“There’s a great respect and rivalry between our two nations that is steeped in history dating back to the formation of our national team,” Mr Popovic said.
“The Soccer Ashes are a trophy we proudly hold and an iconic piece of our game’s history.”
“We’re looking forward to playing for them once again in September.”
The match will run at GIO Stadium Canberra on 5 September at 7:45pm.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale at 10am AEST on Tuesday 24 June, followed by general public tickets at 4pm on Wednesday 25 June.
Tickets for this Qualifier start from $29 child, $31 concession, $39 adult, and $110 family, available via Ticketek. Corporate Hospitality Packages are also available now and enquiries can be made here.
$2 (plus GST) from every ticket sold will be donated to the CommBank Pararoos and CommBank ParaMatildas, Australia’s CP national teams for male and female footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms from a stroke.
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