Confirmed: Socceroos return to Brisbane this September

Brisbane will be the centre of Australian football this September when both the Commonwealth Bank Matildas and Socceroos play international matches at Suncorp Stadium.

The Commonwealth Bank Matildas return to Brisbane for the first time in over three years when they meet Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champions and world number six, Canada, on Saturday, 3 September (2.45pm AEST kick-off), with the Socceroos to play their final game in Australia prior to contesting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ on Thursday, 22 September (8.00pm AEST kick-off) against New Zealand’s All Whites.

The Socceroos match will also double as a Centenary celebration, with 2022 marking 100 years since Australia’s men’s national football team – now known as the Socceroos – played the first ‘A’ international match in Dunedin, New Zealand. A year later in 1923, the first ‘A’ international Socceroos’ match on home soil was contested at the Brisbane Cricket Ground on 7 June in front of 7,000 supporters, which Australia won 2-1.

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Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said: “There has never been a more exciting time for Australian football, with our Socceroos recently qualifying for their fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup™ (sixth overall) and the Commonwealth Bank Matildas to contest the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ right here in Australia.”

“To be able to have both our senior national teams playing in the same city, at the same venue and during the same month is very special, and we know football fans from across Australia will converge on the Queensland capital to seize the opportunity to see Australia’s best footballers prepare for their respective FIFA World Cups™.

“For fans able to attend the Socceroos final match at home ahead for the FIFA World Cup™ in Qatar, they will also be participating in a moment in history, as Football Australia celebrates 100 years of the Australian men’s national football team, with a series of events and activities to reflect, respect and celebrate the rich history of the Socceroos. 100 years ago, Queensland was well represented in the very first men’s national team and we are delighted to honour that connection through this Centenary match at Suncorp Stadium.

“We appreciate the support of the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland, and Brisbane City Council via Brisbane Economic Development Agency, in partnering with us to bring both the Commonwealth Bank Matildas and Socceroos to Brisbane this September for the first time in a number of years, and we look forward to delivering two memorable matches,” Johnson concluded.

Scenes from the Socceroos World Cup qualification

The last time the Commonwealth Bank Matildas played in Brisbane was on 3 March 2019 when they defeated Korea Republic 4-1, with the Socceroos most recent appearance at Suncorp Stadium ending in a 1-1 draw, also against Korea Republic, four years ago on 17 November 2018.

Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Commonwealth Bank Matildas and Socceroos would bring top quality international sport to the world’s best rectangular stadium.

"We're building a first-class line-up of major international sporting events for Queensland's green and gold runway to Brisbane 2032," Mr Hinchliffe said.

"It's terrific to secure a September slot for the Socceroos and Matildas on Queensland's runway of international sport.

"More than 8,000 football fans from across Australia are predicted to be in Brisbane to witness two national teams at the top of their game ahead of FIFA World Cup™ appearances.     

"Experts say the Socceroos and Matildas matches will generate $10 million for Brisbane's visitor economy, which is great news for accommodation providers, hotels, cafés, restaurants and tourism operators.

Caltex Socceroos host Korea Republic in Brisbane in 2018
The Socceroos last played in Brisbane when they hosted Korea Republic in 2018

"We know when football fans come to Brisbane for major international events, they stay longer to explore the city's world-class visitor experiences.  

"September is the first instalment in a live, international festival of football, culminating in a strong roster of Queensland games for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup™."

This feast of national team football during September coincides with the 2022 Brisbane Festival, presenting an opportunity for fans from across Australia and further abroad to enjoy the entertainment both on and off the pitch.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said major events helped power Brisbane’s economy, encouraging people to stay longer and support local businesses.

“Football fever is taking over this September, exciting residents, driving visitation, and showcasing Brisbane nationally and globally as a world-class event city,” Cr Schrinner said.

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“These blockbuster matches will attract more than 25,000 visitors from across Queensland and interstate to Brisbane who will stay in our hotels, enjoy Brisbane’s world-class dining destinations and support local businesses.”

“These historic football matches come just one year out from the world’s largest women’s sporting event, with eight FIFA Women’s World Cup™ matches to be hosted by Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in 2023.”

As a further celebration for football fans and event enthusiasts, there will be a special ticket bundle offer covering both matches at Suncorp Stadium during September.

Ticketing Information 

Tickets for both matches will go on pre-sale for Football Account holders at 10:00am AEST on Tuesday, 12 July 2022, with the General Public tickets window opening at 1:00pm AEST on Friday, 15 July 2022 from www.ticketek.com.au.

$1 (plus GST) from every ticket sold will be donated to the ParaMatildas and the Pararoos, Australia's CP national teams for footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms from stroke.

MATCH DETAILS:

Commonwealth Bank Matildas v Canada
Date: Saturday, 3 September 2022
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Kick-Off: 2:45pm AEST
Football Account pre-sale: 10:00am AEST on Tuesday, 12 July 2022
General Public on-sale: 1.00pm AEST on Friday, 15 July 2022
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au

Socceroos vs New Zealand All Whites
Date: Thursday, 22 September 2022
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEST
Football Account pre-sale: 10:00am AEST on Tuesday, 12 July 2022
General Public on-sale: 1.00pm AEST on Friday, 15 July 2022
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au

Both matches will be shown live and free in Australia via Network 10 and simulcast on 10 Play, as well as streamed live on Paramount+.