The Socceroos will grace the Gold Coast for the first time when they continue their World Cup qualification campaign in September.
Football Australia confirmed today the national team would face Bahrain at Robina Stadium on September 5.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the city’s reputation as an international sporting destination continued to grow.
“Robina Stadium will be a sea of green and gold with local fans cheering on our Aussie football heroes on home soil, aiming to again qualify for the World Cup,” Mayor Tate said.
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said it was a coup for football fans to secure a World Cup Qualifier and see the Socceroos in action on the Gold Coast.
“It is testament to the quality of our venues and facilities that the Gold Coast is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for major sporting events,” Mr Warn said.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson said the Socceroos arrival on the Gold Coast represented a significant moment for football in the region.
“The Gold Coast and surrounding areas have long been a hotbed for producing talent, many of whom have gone on to represent our men’s and women’s national teams, and we know just how strong the football community is in south-east Queensland,” Mr Johnson said.
“Experience Gold Coast has demonstrated a strong commitment to football at both the domestic and international level in recent years, and it’s so pleasing to have a partner with such a passion for our game. They have a fantastic record of delivering world-class sporting events.”
Socceroos’ Head Coach Graham Arnold said his squad would be focused on making a strong start to their next phase of qualification.
“I think it’s fantastic we continue to play games in new locations, allowing more fans around Australia the chance to see the Socceroos in their own backyard,” Mr Arnold said.
“I often speak with the players about the privilege of representing your nation on home soil, and even more so in your hometown in front of family and friends.
“We’ve got several players from south-east Queensland and this game represents a special moment for them. It’s also something that can inspire the next generation of Socceroos watching on from the stands.”
The Gold Coast match begins the Socceroos’ third phase of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, after they completed round two with six consecutive victories.
Find out more about the qualifiers.
Gold Coast match details:
Socceroos v Bahrain
- Thursday, September 5.
- Robina Stadium, Gold Coast.
- Kick-off: TBC
- Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $29 Adult, and $58 Family. Tickets from Ticketmaster.
- Football Account Pre-Sale: 10am Friday, July 5.
- General Public On-Sale: 2pm Monday, July 8.
- Broadcast: 10 Paramount
