Victorian football fans will cheer on the Socceroos in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Saudi Arabia, in another blockbuster international sporting event secured by the Allan Labor Government.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos joined Football Australia CEO James Johnson, Head Coach Graham Arnold and Socceroo Daniel Arzani to announce the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Three Asian Qualifier will be held at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on 14 November.
Tickets to the clash will go on pre-sale for Football Australia account holders at 10:00am AEST on 22 August 2024, with General Public On-Sale kicking off at 2:00pm AEST Monday, 26 August 2024 via Ticketek.
The Socceroos begin the third phase of qualification in September, off the back of an impressive run throughout round two - scoring 22 goals without conceding - to finish at the top of Group 1, and after their equal best performance in a FIFA World Cup in 2022.
The Labor Government continues to back major football events, like the sold out Matildas vs Uzbekistan Olympic Qualifier at Marvel Stadium in February, the 2024 National Youth Championships Girls' Tournament held at the Home of the Matildas in July, and the Matildas' 1-0 defeat of France before 50,000 fans at Marvel Stadium last year.
Victoria has produced some of Australia's best football talent and is home to Socceroos Mathew Leckie, Jackson Irvine, Aziz Behich and Jordan Bos.
Supported by Visit Victoria through the Major Events Fund, this match is part of a packed major events calendar that boosts Victoria's record $39.3 billion visitor economy, featuring the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup Carnival, Boxing Day Test and two international netball tests featuring the Australian Diamonds.
As stated by Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan
"Tens of thousands of football fans will flock to the heart of Melbourne to cheer on the Socceroos - another blockbuster match in the major events capital."
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"All eyes will be on the Socceroos' FIFA World Cup bid, with this elite event boosting Victoria's world-class major events calendar that supports local jobs and local economies across the state."
As stated by Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
"The Socceroos vs Saudi Arabia match joins a packed calendar of upcoming major events including Australian Diamonds vs England Roses in Bendigo, Australian Open Golf, ALWAYS LIVE, the Boxing Day Test and Yayoi Kusama at NGV - supporting the State's record $39.3 billion visitor economy."
As stated by Football Australia CEO James Johnson
"Victorians have shown just how passionate they are about our sport, coming out in droves at stadiums, in venues and at the iconic Federation Square to cheer on our national teams - we're so pleased to be bringing them a match of this significance."
