The opening fixture of Australia’s Round Three campaign will be the first time the senior men’s national team has played on the Gold Coast, with the initial ticket release selling out within days of the match being announced. Following Football Australia’s final review of available seating, a small number of seats across all categories will be available, with a cap of four (4) tickets per transaction. This final ticket release will be the last chance for fans to guarantee their seat for this much anticipated fixture. A limited number of remaining tickets will go on sale at 10am (local) on Wednesday, 28 August 2024 via Ticketmaster.
In addition to the various seating options at the venue, additional Hinterland Corporate Hospitality tickets will also be available to purchase via Ticketmaster.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson said: “We saw just how enthusiastic the football community from across South-East Queensland were about hosting the Subway Socceroos and we can’t wait to see the players take the field at Robina Stadium for the first time.
“Next month’s World Cup Qualifier is part of our commitment to ensure our national teams are active in all corners of the country and the support of Experience Gold Coast and the broader community for this match has shown the appetite for international football across the region.
“Due to demand for tickets during the initial release, we know there was some disappointment from fans who missed out, so we encourage people to get in early when these limited number of tickets are released for sale on Wednesday,” concluded Johnson.
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “We know Gold Coasters love cheering on the green and gold, so don't miss the chance to see the Socceroos up close, right here in our own backyard for the first time. With World Cup 2026 qualification on the line, the action will be full on.”
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said: “Selling 19,000 tickets in less than five days in the first stage of tickets underscores our reputation as a premier global sports destination.
“If you missed out the first-time round, be ready for the next release on Wednesday, so you too can cheer on our Aussie football heroes right here on the Gold Coast when they go up against Bahrain, aiming to qualify for the World Cup.”
The Importance of the Match
The Subway Socceroos face Bahrain to begin their FIFA World Cup 2026™ Third Round Asian Qualifiers at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast on Thursday at 8:00pm (AEST). Scheduled to be played from September 2024 to June 2025, the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 will feature three groups of six teams playing in a home-and-away, round-robin format, offering direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ for the top two finishers of each group.
The Subway Australian U-23s proved too strong for a valiant Vanuatu in the first match of the PacificAus Sports Football Series in Port Vila, running out 3-0 victors. Australia dominated possession and chances in the opening exchanges, but Vanuatu nearly stunned the visitors on t
Team Dynamics and Preparations
After returning to the Subway Socceroos squad for the first time since October 2023, Awer Mabil is excited for the challenges ahead and determined to make an impact. Thrilled to be back with the Subway Socceroos, Aiden O'Neill is also relishing the opportunity of representing his country in his home state. Graham Arnold's side kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifying campaign against Bahrain at Robina Stadium on Thursday night.
Craig Goodwin spoke to the media on the Gold Coast ahead of the Subway Socceroos' FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifier against Bahrain on Thursday night at Robina Stadium.
A Look at Bahrain's Perspective
FOOTBALL – BAHRAIN are upbeat ahead of their highly anticipated clash with continental powerhouses Australia today as they kick off their campaign in the third round of Asian qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The kingdom’s senior men’s national team are looking to “Make the Dream Happen” and book their tickets to football’s global spectacle for the first time in history.
This stage on their journey begins against the world number 24 Australians at the 28,000-capacity Robina Stadium, located in the Gold Coast of eastern Australia. And despite accepting their tag of underdogs in today’s contest, Bahrain head coach Dragan Talajic says his players are determined to put up a fight against one of their group’s top contenders.
“We have had some good training here over the past few days and we are ready for tomorrow,” Talajic said yesterday during his pre-game Press conference.
“Australia are one of the main favourites in our group. We know a lot about their players, and their coach is a very experienced coach, but we will see tomorrow what happens.
“We are optimistic, but of course we are also realistic. Our chance is 50-50 for tomorrow.”
Talajic noted that Bahrain are expecting only tough games in this phase of qualifying, where they will also take on Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, and Indonesia.
“We have to be honest, all six teams deserve to be here,” Talajic said. “With full respect to everyone, this is our first game and we will see how it goes.
“The main favourites are Japan, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, but this is only on paper.”
Talajic added that he is looking forward to feeling the electricity at the match venue that will be generated by the local fans.
“I think it will be a lovely atmosphere,” he said. “All Australians are lovely people. Of course they will support their national team, and we will try to play a nice game to make it really enjoyable tomorrow.”
Forward Mahdi Abduljabbar said that Bahrain are looking to make the most of this chance of being a part of such a high-profile encounter.
Speaking at the same conference, Abduljabbar commented through interpreter and national team media co-ordinator Mohammed Abdulghaffar: “This game will give us very big experience and help us gain confidence to keep growing up and keep working well in this qualification round. We will fight hard.”
Talajic will have three less players to choose from for today’s contest. Veteran forward Ismaeel Abdullatif, seasoned defender Sayed Dhiya Saeed, and talented young winger Ahmed Al Sherooqi have all been ruled out due to injury, it was announced yesterday.
The Road to the World Cup
The Subway Socceroos’ AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 campaign will be broadcast live thanks to Football Australia’s broadcast partner, Paramount Australia. $2 (plus GST) from every ticket sold will be donated to the CommBank Pararoos and CommBank ParaMatildas, Australia's CP national teams for male and female footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms from a stroke.
To find out all the latest information on fixtures, results and Third Round Qualification updates please click here. The Subway Socceroos v Bangladesh or Maldives (World Cup Qualifier) Date: Thursday, 16 November Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne Time: 8:00pm AEDT
Tickets on sale now!
Final Words
This match is not only a crucial step for the Socceroos on their journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup but also a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the passion for football in Australia. With the final tickets available, the anticipation is reaching fever pitch, and the Gold Coast is set to be a truly electrifying venue for this momentous occasion. The Subway Socceroos' FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifying campaign is poised to be one of their most thrilling yet, and the support of fans like you will play a vital role in ensuring a successful journey towards the global stage.
