The Subway Socceroos will be in Canberra on 5 September to play for the Anzac Soccer Ashes trophy. Photo: Football Australia.
Just over two years ago, the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) declared that Canberra was one of two preferred markets for inclusion in the A-League Men’s competition for the 2024-25 season.
Auckland was the other centre nominated, and thanks to the financial backing of American billionaire Bill Foley, the Auckland team was up and running in time for the past season.
Auckland FC finished their first season as the A-League Men’s Premiers.
Canberra’s bid hasn’t found a Bill Foley; someone with the ability to fund not only the $25 million licence fee but to bankroll both the men’s and women’s operations.
There have been rumours of potential financial backers for the Canberra bid, but these have not materialised, leading to a certain amount of apathy within the community, which resulted in previous attempts to secure a place in the A-League Men’s competition being abandoned.
The hope in the Canberra football community is that the Socceroos’ international friendly against New Zealand at GIO Stadium will re-energise the city’s enthusiasm for the bid.
But there is a sense that we have been here before.
In the lead-up to the 2009 qualifier for the 2011 Asian Cup between the Socceroos and Kuwait at Canberra Stadium, there was a perception that a big crowd would nudge the city’s bid for an A-League license over the line.
A crowd of 20,032 flocked to Canberra Stadium on 5 March 2009, but doubts still lingered over the viability of an ACT-based team.
Those assertions were vindicated in September 2009 when only 5,093 fans turned out to see the Central Coast Mariners defeat Perth Glory, 2-1.
That bid was effectively rejected.
The bid team made another attempt a year later, only to be rejected in favour of other centres.
Meanwhile, the battle to keep Canberra United afloat wouldn’t have been lost on potential investors.
But this disguises the genuine support for the code in Canberra as witnessed by the crowds at Matildas and Socceroos games.
In March 2024, a capacity crowd of 25,023 crammed into Canberra Stadium to see the Socceroos account for Lebanon 5-0 in a hastily relocated World Cup qualifier.
In June this year, an even bigger crowd of 25,125 turned out to see the Matildas beat Argentina 4-1 at GIO, the largest crowd for any code at Canberra Stadium so far in 2025. It eclipses attendances for the British and Irish Lions and the Raiders.
Given the Socceroos’ qualification for the 2026 World Cup and the opportunity to see first-hand the likes of 19-year-old Nestory Irankunda in his return to the national team, the likelihood of a huge crowd is more than possible.
Irankunda has been in great form for Watford, as has forward Adrian Segecic with Portsmouth.
Jordy Boss, who had been starring for Dutch giants Feyenoord, is another to return with high expectations.
All three will be looking to impress coach Tony Popovic in the lead-up to 2026 with a sense that we are witnessing the next generation of Socceroos.
Popovich has named a squad of 25 for the Trans Tasman Ashes Series against New Zealand.
Seven of the 25 are in contention to make their Socceroos debut.
With the scene set for a great game in front of a capacity crowd, the spotlight on Friday night will again be on Canberra.
Beyond the game itself, it is hoped that it brings potential investors in a Canberra A-League Men’s team to the forefront.
