Some of the A-Leagues’ finest are set to face off in the international arena with the announcement of a two-game series between Australia and New Zealand in September.
The Socceroos and the All Whites will do battle at GIO Stadium in Canberra on September 5, before heading across the ditch to play again at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on September 9.
They will compete for the historic ANZAC Soccer Ashes trophy after it was rediscovered in 2023.
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Dating back to 1923, the silverware was lost for several decades and embodies the ANZAC spirit. Australia and New Zealand first met all the way back in June 17, 1922 in what was Australia’s first-ever A international.
Constructed from a combination of New Zealand honeysuckle and Australian maple, it contains ashes of cigars smoked by Australian captain Alex Gibb and New Zealand captain George Campbell following the first meeting between the two nations on Australian soil in June 1923.
The Socceroos currently hold the Soccer Ashes after a 2-0 win over the All Whites in Brentford in 2023.
“We’re really excited to be bringing the Subway Socceroos back to Canberra for what will be a memorable occasion for football fans in the region. The community has time and again showed their passion and love for our national teams,” Football Australia Interim CEO Heather Garriock said.
“The Soccer Ashes illustrates Australia and New Zealand’s deep and ongoing connection and celebrates our shared love of football. We’re thrilled that fans in the nation’s capital will be part of another chapter of the long and storied history between our two nations on the pitch.
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“It’s also important to acknowledge the ACT Government for their support of our recent fixtures in Canberra, they have demonstrated a strong desire to support our national teams and bring top-flight football to the capital – we value their continued partnership.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming New Zealand to Canberra before heading across the Tasman for a second match, in what will be a great opportunity for Tony and his staff as our FIFA World Cup 26™ preparations get underway.”
Adding to the occasion is the fact that both nations have already secured their place at next year’s FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
It will be just the second time ever that both nations appear at the same edition of football’s showpiece tournament, the other coming in 2010.
This clash could see a number of A-Leagues stars facing off.
The New Zealand squad that earned World Cup qualification comprised 11 A-Leagues players; Kosta Barbarouses, Alex Paulsen (now departed Auckland FC), Tim Payne, Nando Pijnaker, Jesse Randall, Logan Roberson, Storm Roux, Alex Rufer, Eli Sail, Tommy Smith, Francis De Vries.
Meanwhile, Tony Popovic’s most recent Socceroos squad featured nine A-Leagues stars; Aziz Behich, Kasey Boy (since departed Melbourne Victory), Kai Trewin, Anthony Caceres, Ryan Teague, Daniel Arzani (since departed Melbourne Victory), Brandon Borrello, Adam Taggart and Marco Tilio (since departed Melbourne City).
