- The Socceroos will play Lebanon at Stadium Australia on Tuesday 20 November (7.30pm kickoff) in the build-up to the AFC Asian Cup. Tickets on sale to the General Public 9am Tuesday 4 September. Tickets here;
- The Matildas will play Chile at Panthers Stadium, Penrith on Saturday 10 November (3.30pm) and at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, on Tuesday 13 November (7.30pm). Tickets here.
Julian Keith
NSW will host a 10-day festival of international football action this November following confirmation that the surging Westfield Matildas will play back-to-back matches against Chile (10 and 13 Nov) before the Socceroos take on Lebanon at Stadium Australia on Tuesday 20 November.
The Matildas will line up against Chile at Panthers Stadium on Saturday 10 November from 3.30pm and then again at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on Tuesday 13 November with a 7.30pm kick-off).
Then, on Tuesday 20 November, the Socceroos will return to the scene of their FIFA World Cup Qualifier success when they play Lebanon at Stadium Australia (7:30pm kick-off).
The game is set to be huge celebration of football and culture with Sydney home to a large and passionate Lebanese community.
General Public tickets to the Socceroos v Lebanon game go on sale at 9am Tuesday 4 September here
FFA CEO David Gallop said he was thrilled the Matildas were coming home to play in Australia.
“Last year’s matches against Brazil at these two venues were truly memorable events with a sell-out crowd in Penrith and a new crowd record in Newcastle,” said Gallop.
“The past 18 months have seen the Westfield Matildas go from strength to strength . . . they have captured the imagination of all Australians and have inspired a new generation of footballers.
With the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup coming up in nine months, and our own bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup ramping up, matches like this are important on and off the field.
“I would like to take this opportunity to also thank the NSW Government, Penrith City Council, Newcastle City Council and Seven Consulting for their ongoing valuable support to make these matches possible,” concluded Gallop.
The NSW Minister for Sport, the Hon. Stuart Ayres MP, is proud that these matches will be played in NSW.
“The Matildas are without doubt one of the most popular and successful Australian sports teams at the moment and this is a fantastic opportunity for football fans in Penrith and Newcastle to see them in action on home soil,” Mr Ayres said.
“Following on from the success of last year’s international friendlies against Brazil, which saw the Penrith game sell out and a record crowd attend Newcastle, we expect this two-match series against Chile to be irresistible to fans.
“These matches also offer fans the opportunity to experience everything Penrith and Newcastle have to offer and I encourage visitors to book their tickets and extend their stay and get out and explore the many wonderful venues and attractions on offer.
“Announced in 2016, the NSW Government’s five year partnership with Football Federation Australia is expected to contribute more than $20 million to the NSW visitor economy, which is a massive boost for our hotels, restaurants, bars and tourism operators.”
Westfield Matildas Head Coach Alen Stajcic will be using these two matches to as part of his team’s preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be held in June next year in France.
“Chile are an emerging nation in international women’s football and have qualified for next year’s FIFA Women’s World cup for the first time in their history,” said Stajcic.
“They (Chile) had a fantastic Copa America this year and have showed a great level of technical proficiency, as we would expect from a proud South American footballing nation.
“For us to prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup we need to play against a diverse range of opposition and Chile will be great challenge for us.
“The atmosphere at our matches in Penrith and Newcastle last year was amazing and I know that the players are looking forward to running out in front of large, vocal home crowds,” concluded Stajcic.
Caltex Socceroos v Lebanon
Stadium Australia, Sydney
Tuesday 20 November
Kick-off: 7.30pm
Westfield Matildas v Chile
Panthers Stadium, Penrith
Saturday 10 November
Kick-off: 3pm
Westfield Matildas v Chile
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Tuesday 13 November
Kick-off: 7:30pm
You can experience Caltex Socceroos v Lebanon, and all football matches and regular sporting events at Stadium Australia, with an Stadium Australia Membership. Enquire here now.
Or, why not experience the Socceroos return to Stadium Australia in ultimate style with one of our Corporate Hospitality options. Choose between a Private Suite, Centreline Seats or Zone Boxes. Enquiries here.
