After it was announced the Subway Socceroos will host Lebanon at CommBank Stadium on Thursday, 21 March as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Second Round Asian Qualifiers continues, revisit our previous encounters against the Cedars.
This will be the third meeting between the two nations, but first competitive match, with Australia determined to maintain their 100% record in qualifying after wins over Bangladesh and Palestine in November.
Head-to-head
Played: 2
Wins: 2
Draws: 0
Losses: 0
2012 | 3-0 win | International Friendly
September 2012 was the first encounter against Lebanon which also coincided with Mark Schwarzer's 100th cap for his country. Indeed, the Aussies ensured the monumental milestone would be marked a win. Tim Cahill headed the visitors into the lead with a thumping header off Luke Wilkshire's cross to give the visitors a 20th minute lead in Beirut.
Matt McKay then proceeded to score his first Socceroos with a close-range finish off David Carney's cross three minutes later. The friendly result would be guaranteed with two minutes remaining. It was two substitutes who combined with Brett Holman slipping in Archie Thompson and his tidy finish sealed a 3-0.
2018 | 3-0 win | International Friendly
The second encounter with Lebanon transpired some six years later and will be remembered as Tim Cahill's testimonial, with the Subway Socceroos legend given a farewell match, befitting of his contribution to the national team and as the last remaining poster boy from the so called 'golden generation'.
However, the contest would also be remembered as Martin Boyle's starting debut for his adopted country and he certainly rose to fore. The then 25-year-old scored a first-half double before a pin-point cross set up substitute Mathew Leckie, who timed his half-volley to perfection and proved too hot for the goalkeeper.
Inextricably linked with the success of the Socceroos, Cahill got to step foot on the pitch for the 108th and final time when he was introduced to the action on 82 minutes by Graham Arnold. The emotions were high for the 33,268 in attendance at Accor Stadium and those watching on television as a Socceroos immortal hung up his boots.
Match Details
Australia v Lebanon - FIFA World Cup 2026™ Second Round Asian Qualifiers
Thursday, 21 March 2024
CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE