The Soccer Ashes is a historic football trophy contested between New Zealand and Australia, first created in 1923. It represents one of international football’s oldest rivalries and celebrates the deep sporting ties between the two nations.
The trophy is a small wooden urn made from New Zealand honeysuckle and Australian maple. Inside are the ashes of cigars smoked by the two captains — New Zealand’s George Campbell and Australia’s Alex Gibb — after their match in Brisbane in 1923. The ashes are sealed in a silver-plated razor case that was carried by Private William Fisher at Gallipoli in 1915. Fisher also served as secretary of the Queensland Football Association.
Lost for decades, the Soccer Ashes were rediscovered in 2023, 100 years after their creation. Later that year, the All Whites and Socceroos met in London to contest the trophy in a one-off match, with Australia claiming the win.
With both teams now qualified for FIFA World Cup 26™, the Soccer Ashes stands for more than tradition. It is a symbol of pride, heritage and one of football’s most meaningful rivalries.
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