Big news, football fans! Football Federation Australia has revealed that Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium will play host to the Socceroos all-important World Cup Qualifier against Asian region rival Japan this coming October.
“The October window is a challenging window in this qualification period as we have a match in Saudi Arabia on October 6 and then have a quick turn around to face Japan back in Australia.”
“They are important games and this gives us the best chance of preparing for the two challenges we face within five days.”
FFA also reaffirmed their pre-existing deal with the NSW Government, stating that at least one of the remaining World Cup Qualifiers will be played in the state over the coming 12 months.
“FFA and the NSW Government have a strong long-term relationship that we announced before the Socceroos played Jordan and Greece in Sydney earlier this year and we look forward to playing premium Socceroos and Matildas matches in NSW over the next five years.”
Australia’s third round World Cup Qualifying matches begin on September 1st, with a clash against Iraq at Perth’s nib Stadium. The 10-game schedule continues over the ensuing twelve months, featuring home and return games against Japan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates.
