Four A-League sides coming to Darwin for Australia Cup qualification

Four A-League sides are heading to the Territory to compete in the Australia Cup playoff matches. Find out how to get tickets for the exciting encounters.

Darwin will host four A-League sides in what promises to be a quality set of Australia Cup playoffs to determine who will qualify for the round of 32.

It’s the second year in a row where the playoffs have been hosted in the Top End, with Brisbane Roar, Perth Glory, Newcastle Jets and Western United heading north for the July 23-24 face-offs.

More than 750 clubs across the country have taken part in the 10th edition of the Australia Cup, with these four getting their shot after finishing 9th to 12th in the 2023-24 A-League season.

More than 3500 fans packed into the Darwin Football Stadium in 2023, with more than 50,000 people watching the matches on YouTube from afar.

Darwin Football Stadium.

Brisbane Roar FC (9th) will face Perth Glory FC (12th) on July 23, before Newcastle Jets FC (10th) go up against Western United FC (11th) on July 24.

The two winners will join the top eight teams from the A-League as well as 22 member federation clubs from across the country in the final 32.

Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said he was delighted to have A-League sides return to the Northern Territory.

“We are committed to our strategy of taking elite football to as many cities as possible to showcase established or emerging talent to different audiences and support the growth of football,” he said.

“The past 12 months for Football Australia have seen a huge period of growth due in part to deliberately taking football activity to each corner of our country.

“The Australia Cup Playoffs will provide football fans and event goers throughout the NT and beyond with the opportunity to attend two high quality matches featuring four A-League Men teams.”

Joel Anasmo of the Glory looks to dispose the ball during the A-League Men round 17 match between Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar at HBF Park. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

NT Major Events chief executive Suzana Bishop said it was fantastic for Darwin to have two more Australian Cup matches after the success of 2023.

“After a thrilling Women’s World Cup in Australia and two Australia Cup matches in Darwin last year, it’s fantastic to see professional football return,” she said.

“Held during the middle of the dry season, it’s the perfect time for football fans to come to Darwin to catch two matches that will feature four A-League Men teams.

“And explore the Top End, from Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks to sampling the delights at the iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.”

The matches, which are supported by the NT government through NT Major Events will be live streamed on 10 Play.

Tickets went on general sale on Tuesday at australiacup.com.au/tickets with adults to pay $20, concession to pay $12 and family prices at $50.