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. 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. 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. 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.”
World Cup Qualifiers: A Tight Race for the Top Two Spots
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.
More Than Just a Game: Supporting the Pararoos and ParaMatildas
$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.
Catching All the Action: Broadcasting and Tickets
The Subway Socceroos’ AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 campaign will be broadcast live thanks to Football Australia’s broadcast partner, Paramount Australia.
Game Details
Subway Socceroos v Bahrain Thursday, 5 September 2024 Robina Stadium, Gold Coast Kick-off: 8.00pm AEST Tickets: Start from $15 Child, $20 Concession, $29 Adult, and $58 Family. Tickets from Ticketmaster. Broadcast: Paramount Australia
Awer Mabil Returns to the Squad, Ready to Make an Impact
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. The Subway Socceroos begin Round Three of their FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifying campaign this Thursday against Bahrain at Robina Stadium. READ MORE: How To Watch: Australia vs Bahrain | FIFA World Cup 2026™ Third Round Qualifier
Craig Goodwin on the Gold Coast: Ready to Take on Bahrain
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. READ MORE: How to watch Australia vs BahrainREAD MORE: Subway Socceroos squad for opening Round Three qualifiers
Global Performances: Socceroos Across Europe Shine
As our Socceroos prepare to head into camp, there were positive performances across the globe as Martin Boyle assisted and more minutes were notched up in some of Europe's top leagues. Check out our full wrap of all the action. READ MORE: Subway Socceroos squad for opening Round
Bahrain Eyes Upset in Opening World Cup Qualifier
FOOTBALL – BAHRAIN will be hoping to register a major upset and claim their first-ever victory against continental powerhouses Australia tomorrow when they kick off their third round Asian qualifying campaign for the Fifa World Cup 2026.
The Bahrainis have faced their Australian counterparts six times in the past at the senior men’s level – five in a competition setting and once in an international friendly, the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) has confirmed. The nationals lost all of these fixtures and head into their next meeting as the underdogs.
Bahrain face off with the ‘Socceroos’ at the 28,000-capacity Robina Stadium, commercially known as Cbus Super Stadium. Tomorrow’s game Down Under is scheduled for a 1.10pm kick-off, Bahrain time.
Ahead of the contest, the pre-game technical meeting and head coaches’ Press conferences are scheduled for today. The Bahrainis continued to train yesterday at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre grounds, under the supervision of head coach Dragan Talajic. The Croatian tactician has labelled Australia as one of the top Group C contenders, but has worked extensively with the national team to put up a strong challenge against the heavily favoured hosts.
In their head-to-head history, Bahrain first played Australia in 2006 as part of their Group D schedule in qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2007. The two sides met in February of that year at the National Stadium in Riffa, with Bahrain losing 1-3. Now-retired forward Husain Ali scored the national team’s lone goal in that encounter, while the Australians fired in all their goals in the second half. They then met again in October of that year in the same qualifying group. That game was played in Sydney, and the Bahrainis lost 0-2, conceding both goals in the match’s first 30 minutes.
The nationals’ next two meetings with Australia were part of the fourth round of Asian qualifiers for the Fifa World Cup 2010. Playing in Group A, Bahrain lost 0-1 at home from a last-gasp goal in their November 2008 match. The Bahrainis then played away in June of 2009, losing 0-2 in Sydney after giving up two second-half strikes.
The fifth encounter was at the AFC Asian Cup 2011, when Bahrain and Australia locked horns in Group C of the tournament’s preliminary round. The nationals narrowly lost 0-1 in that game.
At the beginning of this year, the pair played once more in an international friendly in January held in Abu Dhabi, the UAE. The tune-up was part of both teams’ final lead-up to this year’s AFC Asian Cup in Doha. The Australians won 2-0.
The Bahrainis were coached in that game by departed Argentinian coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, who was in charge of the national team before Talajic.
Bahrain will have a mammoth task tomorrow against a star-studded Australian squad that is stacked with professional players who suit up for clubs in top leagues across Europe.
Australia will be looking to continue their fine run from the second round of continental qualification, which they finished with a perfect, undefeated record, scoring 22 goals and conceding none in six games.
Bahrain won three of their matches in their group, drew twice and lost once.
Bahrain’s Road to the World Cup: Training in Australia
The Bahrain national football team has officially commenced its training sessions in Gold Coast, Australia, as they prepare for their opening match in the World Cup qualifying rounds. With a strong start in mind against the host nation, the team is undergoing intensive preparations.
Morning Session Led by Fitness Coach
Under the supervision of physical fitness coach Matty Phillip, the team participated in a rigorous morning workout. The session featured dynamic stretching exercises to enhance flexibility and prevent injuries, followed by a second training session focused on cycling to improve cardiovascular endurance.
Eyes on the Prize
With a sharp focus on conditioning and tactical drills, the Bahrain national team is determined to deliver their best performance on the global stage. Their training regimen underscores their commitment to advancing in the World Cup qualifiers and making Bahrain proud.
Bahrain Aims for World Cup Debut: Underdog Spirit Against Australia
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.
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.
“The match is scheduled for a 1.10pm kick-off, Bahrain time.”
“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.
Meanwhile, Australia head coach Graham Arnold stressed on the importance of his side kicking off this qualification round on a winning note. The Australians cruised through the second stage with a perfect record, scoring 22 goals and conceding none. They hope to continue their winning ways and seal a seventh appearance at the FIFA World Cup. “The boys are excited to get on the pitch and play,” Arnold said in a separate Press conference yesterday. “The energy coming into camp has been fantastic. “Every game is important, and getting off to a very good start tomorrow night is our focus and our main goal.”
Australia forward Mitchell Duke added that they have prepared well for Bahrain and will be ready to execute their game plan. “Bahrain are a very physical team, very compact defensively,” he said. “We know what to expect. We know if we can just focus on our strengths as well, we can beat anyone.”
Also yesterday, the official pre-game technical meeting was held to discuss all matters related to the smooth running of the match. In attendance representing Bahrain were national team manager Mahmoud Reyadh, administrator Ahmed Malallah, and Abdulghaffar. The uniforms that will be worn by both Bahrain and Australia were also presented. The Bahrainis will be using their red kits while the host Australians will be wearing their yellow and green uniforms.
In other Group C qualifiers today, Japan host China at Saitama Stadium 2002 in Saitama at 1.35pm, Bahrain time; and Saudi take on Indonesia at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah at 9pm, also Bahrain time.
Bahrain’s Coach Emphasizes Optimism and Realism
Bahrain are upbeat heading into their game against continental powerhouses Australia tomorrow, kicking off the third round of Asian qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026. “We have had some good training here over the past few days and we are ready for tomorrow,” head coach Dragan Talajic said today in his pre-match Press conference. “Australia are one of the main favourites in our group. “We are optimistic, but of course we are also realistic. Our chance is 50-50 for tomorrow.”
The match is set to be played at the 28,000-capacity Robina Stadium in the Gold Coast of eastern Australia. Kick-off is at 1.10pm, Bahrain time. Bahrain and Australia are in Group C in this stage of qualifiers along with Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, and Indonesia. Fans in the kingdom can watch today's contest live on beIN SPORTS 2.
Bahrain’s Squad Arrives in Australia: Ready to Face the Socceroos
Bahrain’s senior men’s football national team arrived yesterday in Brisbane, Australia, for their Fifa World Cup qualifying match on September 5. The nationals travelled from the kingdom on a 17-hour flight that made a stop in Jakarta, Indonesia to refuel before proceeding to their final destination. The Bahrainis checked in to their residence at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort upon their arrival. Bahrain’s match on September 5 will be played at the 28,000-capacity Robina Stadium. It is scheduled for a 1.10pm kick-off, Bahrain time. Above, national team veterans Ismaeel Abdullatif, left, and Sayed Mohammed Jaafar at the team’s hotel.
Conclusion: A Big Game for Both Teams
This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams aiming for a positive start to their World Cup qualifying journey. The Socceroos will be looking to continue their dominance in the region, while Bahrain will be hoping to pull off a major upset. The final ticket release on Wednesday provides a last chance for fans to be a part of this historic event.
