Announced today, the CommBank Socceroos will meet Cameroon and Curaçao in Sydney and Melbourne, respectively, in the FIFA Series 2026™ during the men’s March international window.
The opening matchday of the four-nation event, which also includes China PR, will take place at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Friday, 27 March, marking the first time Australia will host FIFA's expanded cross-confederation initiative.
The second matchday, and the final CommBank Socceroos appearance in Australia prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026™, will take place at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Tuesday, 31 March.
Fans will be treated to a blockbuster double-header in each state, with China PR facing Curaçao in Sydney before the CommBank Socceroos take on Cameroon under the lights, with kick off for the first match at 5pm and 8:10pm for the host nation.
In the second double- header, China PR meet Cameroon at 5pm in Melbourne followed by the CommBank Socceroos taking on Curaçao – who are set to compete at their first-ever FIFA World Cup this June - at 8:10pm.
The FIFA Series 2026™ represents a significant moment for Australian football, providing the CommBank Socceroos with invaluable preparation ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign.
As the team’s final appearance on home soil before departing for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Series offers supporters a last chance to rally behind the squad while enjoying a rare opportunity to witness international football featuring nations from outside the AFC.
The initiative forms part of FIFA’s broader commitment to increasing cross‑confederation competition and delivering more meaningful international match minutes for participating nations. The 2026 edition builds on the success of the inaugural FIFA Series™ in 2024 and marks FIFA’s first full‑scale implementation of the concept.
Quotes attributed to CommBank Socceroos Head Coach, Tony Popovic:
“This is an exciting opportunity for our squad as we continue building towards the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Facing opponents from different confederations is exactly the type of preparation we need at this stage of our campaign and Cameroon and Curaçao each bring their own style and strengths, which will challenge us in different ways.
“These matches will give us valuable insights and help sharpen our performances ahead of the World Cup and it is also a fantastic occasion for our fans.
“To have two international matches back‑to‑back, including our final home game before the World Cup, makes this a special moment for Australian football.
“We are looking forward to playing at Accor Stadium and AAMI Park full in front of our great Socceroos fans.”
Quotes attributable to Football Australia Interim Chief Executive Officer, Heather Garriock:
“We are excited to be a part of the FIFA Series 2026™ in what will be its second edition.
“The invitational football tournament features friendly matches between national teams from different continents and in 2026 there will be nine different four-team series taking place across nine host countries during the March FIFA window.
“The tournament represents a significant moment for Australian football, providing the CommBank Socceroos with invaluable preparation ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign as well as attracting teams beyond the traditional confederations to Australia which is a major drawcard for football fans.
“The FIFA Series 2026™ will be the CommBank Socceroos final appearance on home soil before departing for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the last chance for all Australian’s cheer on the men’s national team on home soil.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper:
“I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to secure this exciting international double header for Sydney and host the nation’s first ever FIFA Series fixtures. Thousands of football fans from across Australia will flock to Accor Stadium in March to witness the Socceroos take on Cameroon – the last chance to cheer on the squad here in the nation’s home of football before the World Cup.
“The NSW Government is proud to continue our partnership with Football Australia, delivering international fixtures that inject millions into the NSW visitor economy, supporting businesses and jobs and showcasing Sydney as one of the world’s great stages for international sport experiences.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos:
“The Socceroos farewell match for Aussie fans is another blockbuster major event in the heart of Melbourne, providing an opportunity for all football fans from across Australia and the region to fill AAMI Park and send off the Socceroos in style. Victorians are massive supporters of the Socceroos and we look forward to creating the incredible atmosphere our fans are renowned for.
“Our major events calendar helps to attract even more visitors to Victoria – driving our record $46 billion visitor economy and supporting thousands of jobs.”
FIFA SERIES MATCH DETAILS
Accor Stadium, Sydney
Date: Friday 27 March 2026
Kick-off:
China PR vs Curacao 5:00pm
Australia vs Cameroon 8.10pm
Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster. Presale for FA+ members begins at 10.00am AEDT on Thursday, 22 January, before the Football Family members gain access from 12.00pm AEDT the same day. General Public tickets will then go on sale from 4.00pm AEDT on Friday, 23 January.
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Date: Tuesday 31 March 2026
Kick-off:
China PR vs Cameroon 5.00pm
Australia vs Curacao 8.10pm
Tickets: Available via Ticketek. Presale for FA+ members begins at 10.00am AEDT on Thursday, 22 January, before the Football Family members gain access from 12.00pm AEDT the same day. General Public tickets will then go on sale from 4.00pm AEDT on Friday, 23 January.
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+