Credit: Football Australia Media
Football Australia has confirmed the CommBank Socceroos will travel to Montreal during the October FIFA Men’s International Window, as they take on Canada at Stade Saputo.
The match – played on Friday, 10 October (kick-off: 7.40pm local / 10.40am AEST – Saturday, 11 October) – presents an opportunity for the CommBank Socceroos to face high-quality opposition and gain invaluable insight into relevant conditions ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™.
The clash with Canada – currently ranked #30 in the FIFA World Rankings – will be the first time the two sides have met since 2013, a match which finished in a 3-0 victory to Australia at Craven Cottage, London.
The latest addition to the CommBank Socceroos’ upcoming schedule follows the recent announcement of a two-match series against New Zealand in September, in which Australia will compete for the ‘ANZAC Soccer Ashes’ trophy.
With the CommBank Socceroos having successfully booked their place at FIFA World Cup 26™ following the completion of their Round Three AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road To 26 campaign, Football Australia can now build a comprehensive roadmap to prepare for a sixth consecutive appearance at world football’s showpiece event.
Football Australia’s Interim CEO, Heather Garriock said the ability to plan and schedule this fixture with Canada was a result of securing direct qualification to FIFA World Cup 26™.
“We always knew how important it would be to directly qualify and it’s a credit to Tony, his staff and the playing group for achieving that,” Garriock said.
“The ability for us to assemble and play at one of the host countries for FIFA World Cup 26™ is a significant pillar of our preparation and one we’re very much looking forward to.
“Direct qualification provides us with an extended run of international matches of our choosing, allowing us to be strategic on what activity will best support the on-field development of the squad, while factoring other key performance contributors to ensure all facets of our program are well placed when the World Cup commences.
“The length of time and available fixtures between now and June 2026 is something we’re all really pleased to have at our disposal, and we’ll be providing Tony and his team with the support they need to utilise this period as effectively as possible,” Garriock concluded.
CommBank Socceroos’ Head Coach, Tony Popovic welcomed the opportunity to travel to North America as his side’s preparations for FIFA World Cup 26™ continue to take shape.
"This match will be a valuable experience for our players and staff and we’re looking forward to facing Canada in conditions we can expect at the World Cup, Popovic said.
“This camp will certainly inform our approach as we look ahead to next year and will contribute significantly to our planning and preparation both on and off the pitch.”
“It will be another excellent opportunity to work with the squad and play high-quality match minutes against a strong opponent,” Popovic concluded.
Tickets for Canada v CommBank Socceroos will go on sale Saturday, 19 July and be available to purchase via canadasoccer.com
A further announcement on the Commbank Socceroos’ activity during the October FIFA Men’s International Window will be made in the coming weeks.
Fans in Australia will be able to watch Canada v CommBank Socceroos thanks to Football Australia’s broadcast partner, Paramount Australia.
Canada v CommBank Socceroos
Friday, 10 October
Stade Saputo, Montreal
Kick-off: 7.40pm local / 10.40am AEST (Saturday, 11 October)
Broadcast: Paramount+
