READ: How to access pre-sale tickets for Australia v Japan in Perth
The highly anticipated clash with one of Asia’s powerhouses is set to be a key moment in the Subway Socceroos’ journey to secure their place at FIFA World Cup 2026™ marking what could be their sixth consecutive appearance at international football’s showpiece event to be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Australia last faced Japan in Saitama in an away fixture during the October 2024 Men’s FIFA International Window, in what was a tense, tightly fought 1-1 draw.
The qualifier will be the Subway Socceroos’ first ever fixture at Perth Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue that has hosted a CommBank Matildas’ Olympic Qualifier against the Philippines in October 2023, an A-League Men Grand Final, and touring European club friendlies.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson said he was delighted to have a game of this magnitude played in Western Australia.
“We are thrilled to confirm that the Subway Socceroos will face one of Asia’s premier footballing nations, Japan, in what promises to be a defining match in our FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualification journey. This rivalry is steeped in history and showcases the very best of Asian football, and we’re excited to bring it to Perth, a city with a rich football heritage and an engaged fanbase,” Johnson said.
“This is more than just a football match, it’s a moment for Western Australian fans to connect with the Subway Socceroos and witness world-class football at one of the nation’s most iconic venues. The timing of this match, at such a critical juncture in our qualification campaign, makes it a must-see spectacle for fans of the green and gold.
“The support of our fans plays a crucial role in lifting the team, and I urge everyone to turn out in numbers to create an unforgettable atmosphere for Tony (Popovic) and the squad. We are especially grateful to the Western Australian Government for their partnership and ongoing commitment to growing football in the region. This collaboration highlights the power of sport to unite communities and inspire the next generation of players and fans,” concluded Johnson.
WA Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA said it’s very exciting to be hosting the Socceroos again on their journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
“Excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is already building, and we’re expecting this Round Three qualifier to capitalise on that hype, bringing over a thousand Socceroos and Japan fans to cheer on their teams as they go head-to-head at Perth Stadium for the chance to directly qualify for the World Cup,” Minister Saffioti said.
“Of course, it’s also easy for Japanese fans to travel to WA for the match, with direct flights between Tokyo and Perth operating three times a week.
“Events form a major part of our overarching tourism strategy, helping to attract out of state visitors and generate millions for our local economy, and this match is just the latest in a growing list of events we have secured for WA next year.”
Subway Socceroos’ Assistant Coach, Hayden Foxe said the match would be special for the playing group and the football community in Western Australia.
“I’ve seen first-hand the passion for our game in Western Australia. It’s a vibrant football community filled with hard-working people who have been great supporters of the Socceroos over many years. We’re excited to be heading to Perth for this important fixture,” Foxe said.
“Perth Stadium is a fantastic venue, and I’m sure the home fans will create a great atmosphere for the players. Facing Japan on home soil is as big as it gets in our Confederation, and the team is looking forward to the challenge,” Foxe concluded.
Scheduled to be played from September 2024 to June 2025, the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 will feature three groups of six teams playing in a home-and-away, round-robin format, offering direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ for the top two finishers of each group.
To find out all the latest information on fixtures, results and Third Round Qualification updates please click here.
Ticket information for Perth: Tickets for this match start from $16 Child, $19 Concession, $29 Adult, and $89 Family, with a Football Account Pre-Sale at 10.00am AWST on Tuesday, 17 December 2024 and General Public On-Sale at 10.00am AWST Wednesday, 18 December 2024 via Ticketmaster.
$2 (plus GST) from every ticket sold will be donated to the CommBank Pararoos and CommBank ParaMatildas, Australia’s CP national teams for male and female footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms from a stroke.
Corporate Hospitality: Corporate Hospitality Packages are also available now and enquiries can be made here.
Unlock pre-sale access to tickets, discounts on Subway Socceroos matches, exclusive content, and special offers on official merchandise. Don’t miss out on the perks that make being a football fan even better. Sign up now here and be part of the action!
Thursday, 5 June 2025
Perth Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 7:00pm (local) / 9:00pm AEST
Tickets: Start from $16 Child, $19 Concession, $29 Adult, and $89 Family. Tickets from Ticketmaster.
Football Account Pre-Sale: 10:00am AWST / 1:00pm AEDT on Tuesday, 17 December 2024.
General Public On-Sale: 10:00am AWST / 1:00pm AEDT on Wednesday, 18 December 2024.
On 5 June 2025, Australia will play at Perth Stadium for the first time in another crucial FIFA World Cup 2026™ Third Round Asian Qualifier against Japan. Tickets will go on pre-sale at 10:00am AWST / 1:00pm AEDT on Tuesday 17 December with Football Account holders enjoying a 10%
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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!
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