New Zealand Football have today confirmed a home match against Australia to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the first ever senior men’s international fixture between the two teams. 

The All Whites will face the Socceroos at Eden Park, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, on Sunday 25 September 2022 at 4pm. The match will be played as part of a two-game series with one game in Aotearoa New Zealand and one in Australia. The Australian game will be announced at a later date. 

Along with celebrating the centenary of the first trans-Tasman game, the fixture marks the first time the two teams have met in over 10 years, the first All Whites game in Aotearoa New Zealand since 2017 and the first time senior international football has been played at Eden Park. 

Tickets will start from $20 and go on sale from Friday 10 June. A presale will be available to New Zealand Football Whānau members from midday today.  

“This is a ground-breaking and history making game in so many ways” says Andrew Pragnell, CEO of New Zealand Football. 

“We are delighted to be able to commemorate 100 years of trans-Tasman football in partnership with Football Australia and bring senior international football to Eden Park for the first time ever. It’s a game not to be missed. It will have an incredible atmosphere and something for all Kiwis to get behind and be proud of. 

“We made a commitment to play more games in Aotearoa for all our national sides. Now with our borders open, I am very pleased we are able to announce this match with more senior international football hosted in New Zealand set to be confirmed soon.

“This game represents an opportunity for all New Zealanders to witness some of Aotearoa’s greatest football talent who have been developing and plying their trade abroad at the highest levels.”

Men’s national team Head Coach Danny Hay was excited to finally be able to play a game at home:

“Our attention right now is obviously focused on our FIFA World Cup Intercontinental Play-Off game against Costa Rica but it is great to know we have this waiting for us in September. 

“We know fans want this game but so do the players and staff. Having the chance to finally play at home, play at Eden Park and take on the Aussies is really exciting. I can’t wait.”

The game is supported by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the region’s economic and cultural agency. 

The agency’s Director of Arts, Entertainment and Events, Richard Clarke, said this historic fixture offers the rest of New Zealand and Australians another reason to visit Tāmaki Makaurau. 

“Events play a key role in the economic and social recovery of our region and hosting the All Whites provides a great opportunity for Aucklanders to get out and enjoy another world-class event in their own backyard, and for New Zealanders to visit and explore Tāmaki Makaurau.

“Auckland is calling and we cannot wait to welcome back our friends, whānau and Anzac mates,” Clarke said.

Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner is delighted to be hosting this historic international football match at New Zealand’s national stadium.

“This is the first international football match to be played at Eden Park and it represents an incredible opportunity to showcase football’s elite players from both sides of the Tasman. This game, along with the nine matches at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup including the opening ceremony, cements Eden Park’s status as the home of elite football in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“After a difficult few years of lockdowns and cancelled events, we cannot wait to welcome the fans Back Together to create unforgettable memories. The impact these blockbuster weekends have on the local economy, including businesses and hospitality, is undeniable and I’m delighted that Eden Park can continue playing its part in the rejuvenation of the industry. Events of this calibre are exactly what Auckland and the events sector need.

Ticket information:

Tickets will start from $20 and go on general sale on Friday 10 June. 

A presale to New Zealand Football’s Football Whānau members will start from 12pm on Tuesday 7 June 2022. 

Sign up to join Football Whānau at nzfootball.co.nz

Article added: Tuesday 07 June 2022