Melbourne will host the Socceroos for the first time in more than four years as part of Australia's 2022 World Cup Qualification campaign.
AAMI Park has been confirmed as the venue for the Socceroos' next qualifier against Vietnam, with a capacity crowd expected for the all-important fixture on Thursday, 27 January.
It'll mark the first time since a 2-1 win over Thailand in 2017 that the Socceroos will play in the Victorian capital, which has been starved of live sport throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
After three straight matches without a win, it shapes as a pivotal game for Graham Arnold's side's hopes of securing a place at next year's tournament in Qatar.
“Every match in FIFA World Cup qualifying is crucial and we need all three points against Vietnam,” Arnold said.
“Melbourne is home to one of the best fan cultures in Australia, so it would be great if fans can get the stadium shaking on January 27 and provide the players with energy and support.
“Many of our current and recent squad members have strong ties to Victoria, so I expect that they will be thrilled with today’s match announcement.
“The likes of Aziz Behich, Mathew Leckie, Ajdin Hrustic, Jackson Irvine, Denis Genreau, Jamie Maclaren, James Jeggo, and Bailey Wright each emerged through Victorian grassroots clubs, so the ties between the Socceroos and community football are strong.”
Football Australia CEO James Johnson described AAMI Park as one of the country's "best football-specific venues", saying it was a thrill to be bringing international football to Melbourne.
“We’re delighted that the Socceroos, who have a long and proud association with the City of Melbourne and State of Victoria, will return to Melbourne late next month,” Johnson said.
“Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (AAMI Park) is one of Australia’s best football-specific venues for both players and fans, so our focus will be to ensure that we put on an event that Melburnians, Victorians, and interstate visitors remember for years.”
“The Victorian Government have shown great support to bring this match to Melbourne, and we’re thrilled to be playing a central role in helping them kick-off their calendar of events for 2022 by playing a crucial qualification fixture in the State."
Johnson also thanked Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC for agreeing to move their double-header to facilitate the match.
“We also recognise Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC, and the A-Leagues for collaborating with us to move their UNITE A-League Men’s and A-League Women’s matchday from January 26, to January 25. This cooperation will enable some of the biggest matches on the domestic football calendar to be played at the same venue as a major international match with just two sleeps between fixtures for fans,” he said.
Following the qualifier against Vietnam in Melbourne, the Socceroos will travel to the Middle East to face Oman on Tuesday, 1 February 2022.