Socceroos lock in Jordan friendly ahead of FIFA World Cup™ Play-offs

The Socceroos will tune up for next month’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ play-offs in Doha with an international friendly against Jordan in Qatar on the evening of Wednesday, 1 June 2022 (local time).

The international friendly, which will be played six days before Australia’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) play-off, will provide the Socceroos with a great opportunity to prepare ahead of the team’s crunch clash with United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan Stadium) on Tuesday, 7 June 2022.

A win over UAE on June 7 would propel the Socceroos to a make-or-break intercontinental play-off against Peru on Monday, 13 June 2022, with the winner of that match sealing a place in Group D at this year’s FIFA World Cup™ alongside defending Champions France, Denmark, and Tunisia.

The Socceroos met Jordan twice throughout the current FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign, with both games ending in 1-0 wins for Australia.

Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold, who is currently in Europe scouting and connecting with overseas-based players ahead of his squad selection later in May, said he’s pleased to have locked in a friendly against Jordan ahead of the biggest month of football for the Socceroos in four years.

“We are looking forward to the opportunity to play Jordan in early June as we prepare for the AFC and intercontinental FIFA World Cup™ play-offs in Doha,” Arnold said.

Socceroos Jordan
Australia defeated Jordan 1-0 twice in Round 2 of AFC Qualifying


“Whilst we are rivals on the pitch, off the pitch we have developed good communication and understanding with the Jordan Football Association over the past few years, so it is pleasing that we have been able to secure this match as we prepare for our World Cup play-offs in Qatar, and Jordan prepare for their upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualification fixtures in Kuwait.”

Arnold will spend the next two weeks in Europe monitoring and meeting with Australian players as he seeks to finalise the Socceroos’ squad for June.

“We are monitoring a large group of players globally ahead of the final squad selection,” Arnold added. “It has been pleasing seeing many Australian players in strong form at their clubs over the past few weeks. I am excited to think that many of our players will arrive in camp with great minutes under their belts ready for our final FIFA World Cup™ qualifying push.” 

Further information regarding Australia’s friendly international against Jordan on June 1 – including the kick-off time, venue, and ticketing information – will be advised by Football Australia as soon as possible.

Football Australia will relay the kick-off time and ticketing information for the AFC play-off on June 7 once it is advised by AFC. Equally, Football Australia will relay ticket information regarding Australia’s potential intercontinental play-off against Peru shortly after the details are confirmed.

Upcoming Socceroos Matches:

International Friendly
Australia v Jordan
Date: Wednesday, 1 June 2022
Venue: TBC, Doha, Qatar
Kick-off: TBC
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia via Network 10 and simulcast on 10 Play
Tickets: TBC

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar (AFC Fourth Round)
United Arab Emirates v Australia
Date: Tuesday, 7 June 2022
Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Kick-off: TBC
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia via Network 10 and simulcast on 10 Play
Tickets: TBC

*FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ (Intercontinental Play-off)
Peru v Australia/United Arab Emirates
Date: Monday, 13 June 2022
Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Kick-off: 9pm local; 4am AEST (Tuesday, 14 June 2022)
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia via Network 10 and simulcast on 10 Play
Tickets: TBC

*Australia’s participation subject to Socceroos securing progression from AFC play-off against UAE