The Socceroos' first home qualifier of their 2018 FIFA World Cup journey will be played in Perth after Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the West Australian Government today announced the game will be played at nib Stadium.
The Socceroos have now scheduled matches in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Newcastle in recent times, giving football fans from all over Australia an opportunity to watch the new-look Socceroos and Asian Cup champions in action.
“It’s fantastic that we have been able to work with the West Australian Government to take the Socceroos to Perth for the first home qualifier as we start our qualifying journey for the 2018 FIFA World Cup,” said FFA Chief Executive Office David Gallop.
“We will have as many as nine home games throughout the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign so we will be working with State Governments all over Australia to take the team to as many places as possible.
“The Socceroos represent the nation on the global stage and we are excited to have the chance to throw them into the mix for Major Event Corporations and State Governments. The team is a valuable asset and we will be looking for deals that recognize that value.”
Socceroos Coach Ange Postecoglou said the Socceroos are a team for all Australians.
“It is great that we will play in Perth as we strive to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. The Socceroos received tremendous support from fans all over Australia during the Asian Cup and now it’s Perth’s turn to come out and get behind the team. “
Football West Chairman Liam Twigger was delighted the national team would be playing in Perth and urged fans to get behind the Socceroos.
“I congratulate both Football Federation Australia and the WA Government for bringing the Socceroos to Perth,” he said.
“This will be a great opportunity for WA fans to show their support for international football at nib Stadium.”
The match will be the first time the Socceroos have played an international in Perth since facing Indonesia in a friendly in 2005.
The date and opponent will be confirmed in early April when the draw for the First Round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying is conducted by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
It is expected the first home qualifier will take place in either June or September 2015.
Every Socceroos FIFA World Cup Qualifier will be broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports.