Socceroos lock in final friendlies before Asian Cup

George Clarke |

Tony Popvic’s Socceroos have locked in some key friendlies before next year’s Asian Cup.
Tony Popvic’s Socceroos have locked in some key friendlies before next year’s Asian Cup.

Australia will ramp up preparations for next year’s Asian Cup with friendlies against reigning champions Qatar and emerging powers Jordan.

In what will represent their final window before the tournament kicks off in Saudi Arabia in January, the Socceroos will be given a taste of the conditions and top-level Asian opponents in November.

The Socceroos will travel to face two-time defending Asian Cup champions Qatar in Doha on November 14 (AEDT), before heading to Amman to take on Jordan on November 18 (AEDT). 

Australia have been drawn in a group with Graham Arnold’s Iraq and Tajikistan and open their Asian Cup campaign on January 10 against Singapore in Khobar.  

Soccer
After an impressive World Cup, Australia’s next tournament football is coming up in January. (Jason Henry/AAP PHOTOS)

Tony Popovic’s side meet Brazil in Brisbane and Townsville later this month. 

“November is our last FIFA international window before the AFC Asian Cup 2027, and with such a short timeframe between the World Cup 2026 and the next major tournament, every camp, every game, and every day together is crucial,” Popovic said in a statement. 

“Qatar and Jordan both qualified for the most recent FIFA World Cup. 

“Qatar are the winners of the past two Asian Cups, while Jordan were runners-up in the Asian Cup 2023, so we know they will both be tough opponents.

“We also look forward to playing Qatar and Jordan in the Middle East, as it gives us two more competitive fixtures in the lead-up to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and serves as part of our final preparation for the tournament.”

AAP