Sydney to again host Socceroos, this time at Stadium Australia

Australia’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Japan in March will be played on familiar territory.

The Samurai Blue of Japan will meet the Socceroos in Sydney in March. Picture: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP

The Socceroos will return to Sydney in March, with Stadium Australia to host their World Cup qualifier against Japan.

Currently in Melbourne preparing for Thursday night’s battle with Vietnam at AAMI Park, the Socceroos, who drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia at CommBank Stadium in November, will head back to NSW for their crucial March 24 clash with the Samurai Blue.

The Socceroos’ World Cup destiny remains in their own hands despite currently not occupying an automatic qualifying berth for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Wins in their remaining four group matches over Taiwan, Oman, Japan and Saudi Arabia will ensure the Socceroos will avoid needing to win two sudden-death playoffs to qualify for a fifth successive World Cup.

The Socceroos will meet Japan in Sydney in March. Picture: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP

“We have no doubt the entire nation will unite behind the Socceroos, so giving two months’ notice enhances the opportunity for fans to plan a pilgrimage to Stadium Australia in Sydney for what will be the most important Socceroos match played in Australia since Honduras in 2017,” Football Australia CEO James Johnson said.

“Stadium Australia has hosted many famous Socceroos nights in the past, including Uruguay in 2005, Iraq in 2013, and the AFC Asian Cup Final against Korea Republic in 2015, and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the match against Japan in March 2022 goes down as another historic and memorable night at the venue.”

NSW Tourism and Sport Minister Stuart Ayres said: “Sydney and Stadium Australia have a proud history of providing a strong home ground advantage to lift our Socceroos to the FIFA World Cup,” Mayres said.

“Sydney has led the return of international sport in Australia and this will be another opportunity to create an electric atmosphere across the city, showcasing Sydney as one of the best cities in the world to watch sporting events of the highest calibre.”

Originally published as Sydney to again host Socceroos, this time at Stadium Australia