Stadium Australia to host Socceroos’ March 24 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Japan

Australia’s Socceroos will take on Japan at Stadium Australia in Sydney on March 24 as each nation’s quest to qualify directly for this year’s FIFA World Cup™ in Qatar reaches a crescendo.

Currently in Melbourne ahead of this week’s near sell-out meeting with Vietnam at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, it has been confirmed that the Socceroos will return to the scene of many famous men’s national team moments in March as Group B of AFC Asian Qualifiers come to a head.

The Socceroos have secured qualification for three FIFA World Cups at Stadium Australia in the past, and will again feature at the iconic venue in one of the team’s most important matches in these Asian Qualifiers.

The Socceroos’ return to Stadium Australia for the first time in four years has been made possible through the support of the NSW Government, who have partnered with Football Australia to bring the contest to Sydney.

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, said Football Australia was eager to lock the match in early to provide fans from around the country with the best possible opportunity to plan to be at the crucial qualifier.

“We have no doubt the entire nation will unite behind the Socceroos, so giving two months’ notice enhances the opportunity for fans to plan a pilgrimage to Stadium Australia in Sydney for what will be the most important Socceroos match played in Australia since Honduras in 2017,” Johnson said.

Stadium Australia has hosted many famous Socceroos nights in the past, including Uruguay in 2005, Iraq in 2013, and the AFC Asian Cup Final against Korea Republic in 2015, and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the match against Japan in March 2022 goes down as another historic and memorable night at the venue.

“We recognise and thank the NSW Government for partnering with us on this showcase match which will attract significant visitation to the state, and promote Sydney to a massive broadcast audience of millions of football fans in Australia and Japan, across Asia, and around the world,” he said.

Minister for Tourism and Sport, Stuart Ayres, said Sydney had scored another goal for international sport.

“Sydney and Stadium Australia have a proud history of providing a strong home ground advantage to lift our Socceroos to the FIFA World Cup™,” Mr Ayres said.

“Sydney has led the return of international sport in Australia and this will be another opportunity to create an electric atmosphere across the city, showcasing Sydney as one of the best cities in the world to watch sporting events of the highest calibre.

“The NSW Government and Football Australia have worked closely on an impressive program of international football matches as we lead up to hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™, delivered through our 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative,” he said.

Tickets for the Socceroos’ March 24 meeting with Japan at Stadium Australia in Sydney will go on sale from 10am on Wednesday, 2 February 2022. The first phase will feature an exclusive pre-sale window for Football Account holders, which will include a 10 per cent discount on tickets. Anyone can access this pre-sale period by signing up for a Football Account here.

Tickets to the General Public will go on sale from 10am on Monday, 7 February 2022, via Ticketek.

The Socceroos’ match against Japan will be broadcast exclusively live and free across Australia on Network 10 and simulcast on 10 Play, with kick-off (evening) to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar (Final Round)

Matchday 9: Australia v Japan

Date: Thursday, 24 March 2022

Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia

Kick-off: To be confirmed

Tickets: On sale from Wednesday, 2 February 2022 via Ticketek

Broadcast: Live and free in Australia on Network 10 and simulcast on 10 Play

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