Soccer Ashes up for grabs as Subway Socceroos face New Zealand in Canberra

Football Australia is delighted to announce that the Subway Socceroos will face New Zealand at GIO Stadium, Canberra on Friday, 5 September (kick-off: 7.45pm AEST) during the September FIFA Men’s International Window.

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The Subway Socceroos will then face the All Whites in a reverse fixture on Tuesday, 9 September (kick-off: 7.00pm local / 5.00pm AEST) at Go Media Stadium, Auckland.

The trans-Tasman rivals will once again play for the historic ‘ANZAC Soccer Ashes’ trophy – following the rediscovery of this unique piece of footballing history in 2023 – a powerful symbol of the two countries’ endearing partnership.

Built by New Zealand trophy maker Harry Mayer in 1923, the Soccer Ashes embody the ANZAC Spirit that has long connected the two nations and forged a sporting rivalry that emerged following Australia’s first-ever ‘A’ International on June 17, 1922.

Constructed from a combination of New Zealand honeysuckle and Australian maple, the elaborate wooden casket 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.

Australia currently holds the Soccer Ashes following a 2-0 victory over the All Whites in Brentford in 2023.

The match in the nation’s capital will be the Subway Socceroos’ first appearance after securing direct qualification to FIFA World Cup 26™, following recent victories of Japan (1-0) and Saudi Arabia (2-1) in Round Three qualifying.

With Australia having booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 26™, the two-match series will act as a valuable platform for the Subway Socceroos to commence preparations for a sixth consecutive appearance in world football’s showpiece event.

Football Australia Interim CEO, Heather Garriock welcomed the Subway Socceroos’ return to the nation’s capital.

"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,” 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.

“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,” Garriock concluded.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said: “The ACT Government is delighted to partner with Football Australia to bring elite football to Canberra.”

“This will be a great chance to see the Socceroos in Canberra again and we look forward to locals and visitors filling GIO Stadium in September.”

Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach, Tony Popovic said the matches represented an important first step on his side’s journey towards FIFA World Cup 26™.

"It’s always special when Australia plays New Zealand. There’s a great respect and rivalry between our two nations that is steeped in history dating back to the formation of our national team,” Popovic said.

“The Soccer Ashes are a trophy we proudly hold and an iconic piece of our game's history. We’re looking forward to playing for them once again in September,” Popovic concluded.

Ticket information: Tickets for this Qualifier start from $29 Child, $31 Concession, $39 Adult, and $110 Family, with a Football Account Pre-Sale at 10.00am AEST on Tuesday, 24 June 2025 and General Public On-Sale at 4.00pm AEST Wednesday, 25 June 2025 via Ticketek.

Corporate Hospitality: Corporate Hospitality Packages are also available now and enquiries can be made here.

$2 (plus GST) from every ticket sold will be donated to the CommBank Pararoos and CommBank ParaMatildas, Australia's CP national teams for male and female footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms from a stroke.

Unlock pre-sale access to tickets, discounts on Subway Socceroos matches, exclusive content, and special offers on official merchandise. Don’t miss out on the perks that make being a football fan even better. Sign up now here and be part of the action!

Subway Socceroos v New Zealand

Friday, 5 September

GIO Stadium, Canberra

Kick-off: 7.45pm AEST

Tickets: $29 Child, $31 Concession, $39 Adult, and $110 Family. Tickets from Ticketek.

Football Account Pre-Sale: 10.00am AEST on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.

General Public On-Sale: 4.00pm AEST Wednesday, 25 June 2025.

Broadcast: 10, 10 Play and Paramount+

New Zealand v Subway Socceroos

Tuesday, 9 September

Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Kick-off: 7.00pm local / 5.00pm AEST

Broadcast: Paramount+

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