READ MORE: The Socceroos’ recent record at Adelaide Oval
READ MORE: How To Watch: Australia vs China PR | FIFA World Cup 2026™ Third Round Qualifier
Tony Popovic, in his first game as head coach, will look to kick-start Australia’s campaign against China PR before travelling to face Japan in Saitama five days later. Following a frustrating September window, which saw a 1-0 home loss to Bahrain and a goalless draw in Indonesia, the Socceroos are eager to get back on track.
Come Thursday at Adelaide Oval, Australia will be on the hunt for those all-important three points and will see this match as a prime opportunity, given China PR’s difficult start to the qualifiers.
China PR arrive in Adelaide on the back of two defeats: a 7-0 loss to Japan and a disappointing collapse against Saudi Arabia, where they surrendered a one-goal and one-man advantage.
A post shared by Subway Socceroos (@socceroos)
China manager Branko Ivanković has been forced into making a number of changes to his squad, with key players like Wu Lei and Alan Carvalho both missing out through injury.
Popovic will also be aware of China’s defensive vulnerabilities, with both Saudi goals conceded from set pieces, something Australia could exploit. Historically – across ‘A’ Internationals – Australia have the edge over China PR with seven wins from their 13 encounters, with two draws and four wins for China PR. Their most recent clash ended 1-1 in World Cup qualifying in 2021.
This fixture marks the Socceroos’ first game in Adelaide since 2017, as they continue their push toward a sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026, to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Popovic has bolstered his coaching staff by adding former Socceroos Paul Okon, Hayden Foxe, and Frank Juric.
Unfortunately, Massimo Luongo – who recently came out of international retirement – has been ruled out due to an ankle injury, with Luke Brattan (Macarthur FC) stepping in. Connor Metcalfe (FC St Pauli) has also withdrawn due to a leg injury, with Patrick Yazbek (Nashville SC) called up as his replacement.
The squad also features Daniel Arzani and Jason Geria, the latter making his return after eight years. Ajdin Hrustic (Salernitana) re-joins the squad, as does Gianni Stensness, following his ACL recovery.
Riley McGree, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, and Jordy Bos, who returns from a hamstring injury, complete the returning Socceroos.
Nishan Velupillay could also make his senior debut, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo is the only other uncapped player in the squad.
Australia: 25
China: 91
Played: 13
Wins: 7
Draws: 2
Losses: 4
“They’re 26 players selected because of the quality that they have, that I don’t doubt. Each one of them will be able to contribute, individually and collectively, to make a good performance for us. So we really need to make sure that the desire is strong in terms of representing your country.
“That needs to always be there. I believe that’s a non-negotiable. And then we need to improve our football. And if we improve our football, I’m sure that we can put on a really good performance on Thursday. I’m confident.
“… We’re pretty calm about the process, we’ve got a very good group of players here, and I’m very at ease with the decisions that have to be made.
“I don’t want to use that as an excuse (the late arrivals and short time with the players), we feel we have enough time to show the players how we like to play.
“I’m sure the players have seen it and they’re comfortable with it and they’ll show some good signs of that tomorrow night.”
“I think it’ll be a different kind of game against China to the first two games we played against Bahrain and Indonesia. I think China’s going to come out and try and play a little bit more, or be a little bit more aggressive in that way.
“It sounds cliché, but we have to focus on ourselves, we have to focus on how we want to play. It’s our home game and we have to take the game to them, we have to be aggressive in our play, play at a high tempo and really try and set the tone. I’m confident in the squad that we have and with the coaches that we have that we can do something special.”
“It’s good to be back in Adelaide. We’ve got a strong representation from South Australia. So, very proud. I’ve watched a game or two [of Socceroos in Adelaide], but never played, so this is definitely up there.
“Pressure is a privilege. Pressure is great and if you can relish the pressure and you can use it to your advantage, then it can only lead to good results. Pressure, for me, on a personal level, is something that happens and there’s harder things in life than being a footballer and winning games.”
“I’m incredibly proud to be here. It’s great to come back home and see family, friends and represent my country at home. Everyone’s very focused, very switched on. We definitely want to get three points from this game against China. I’m looking forward to it.
“I think obviously with China being away from home, they’re going to sit very deep, try to keep a clean sheet, so for us, it’s just about breaking them down and getting that first goal and letting the game open up and going from there.”
Subway Socceroos v China PR
Thursday, 10 October 2024
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Kick-off: 7:30 pm ACDT (8:00pm AEDT)
Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $29 Adult, and $58 Family. Tickets from Ticketek.
Broadcast: 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Japan v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday 15 October 2024
Saitama Stadium 2002, Tokyo
Kick-off: 7.35pm local (9.35pm AEDT)
Broadcast: Paramount+
It was a positive start to the Tony Popovic era with a 3-1 victory over China PR at Adelaide Oval on Thursday in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026™ Third Round Asian Qualifier. In front of a record-breaking 46,291 crowd – the highest-ever attendance for a Socceroos match in Adelaide
Subway Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine believes “intensity has gone up” since Tony Popovic’s arrival as head coach and is excited by the opportunity that his appointment brings.LAST CHANCE: Get your Australia vs China PR tickets here or below Irvine, who was announced as the
Subway Socceroos star Jackson Irvine has been voted the Austraffic PFA Men’s Footballer of the Year, becoming the 11th player to pick up the award. The Australia midfielder and St.Pauli captain helped his Hamburg-based club achieve promotion from 2.
The Subway Socceroos come up against China PR in their third FIFA World Cup 2026 round three qualifying match on Thursday 10 October at Adelaide Oval, a venue where we've enjoyed plenty of success in the past. As Australia return to the city for the first time since 2017, we take
After missing a large chunk of 2024 through injury, Riley McGree has returned to the Subway Socceroos squad and is “very proud” to be representing Australia in his hometown, Adelaide.LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING: Get your Australia vs China PR tickets here or below McGree, an Adelai
Subway Socceroos v Bangladesh or Maldives (World Cup Qualifier) Date: Thursday, 16 November Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne Time: 8:00pm AEDT Tickets on sale now!
Locked Bag A4071
Sydney South,
NSW 2000, Australia
