For the first time in 763 days, the Socceroos will play in front of home fans, after the NSW Government announced the World Cup Qualifier against Saudi Arabia will take place in Sydney.
The match is scheduled for CommBank Stadium on Thursday 11 November, with eased travel restrictions allowing sports fans from across NSW to attend the crucial qualifying match.
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, is focused on investing in world-class evetns to deliver on its goal of becoming the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.
“Major sporting events such as this match are a vital contributor to the NSW visitor economy, with players and fans staying in our hotels, visiting our attractions and spending locally,” Mr Ayres said.
“After the difficult period the NSW public have had during Covid- 19, welcoming back the Socceroos could not have come at a better time for football fans. I look forward to watching this blockbuster game on NSW soil.”
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the game would follow the Matildas two-match series against Brazil, heralding the return of live international sport to Sydney.
“Sydney has always hosted the most important Socceroos games in Australia, so it’s only right the team will play their first match in 763 days here,” Mrs Ward said.
“With a highly-competitive group vying for FIFA World Cup qualification, I’m looking forward to fans coming out to cheer on the Socceroos at Commbank Stadium next month.”
Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said the match had been made possible following months of discussion between Football Australia and the NSW Government, along with the Asian Football Confederation and Federal Government.
“We’re delighted that after over 12 months of collaboration, the team, which has been performing strongly in qualifying, will have the opportunity to return to Australia to continue their World Cup quest,” Mr Johnson said.
“The Socceroos have a great record when playing FIFA World Cup qualifiers in front of Australian fans on Australian soil, so we thank the NSW Government for working closely with us to bring the Socceroos home in line with their Reopening NSW Roadmap.”
The match will be held in accordance with plans approved by NSW Health. Tickets will go on sale to the general public from 4pm AEDT on Thursday.
