Festival of international football for Brisbane

Australia’s two national football teams – the Socceroos and Matildas – are locked in for a September festival of international football at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Matildas and Socceroos were predicted to deliver $10 million for Queensland’s visitor economy.

“We’re excited to secure both the Matildas and the Socceroos for a September festival of international football in Queensland,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“This will be a terrific opportunity to see both teams live and at the top of their game ahead of FIFA World Cup™ appearances.

“Not only is Suncorp Stadium the world’s best rectangular stadium, it will also be a magnet for more than 8,000 interstate football fans and up to 17,000 Queenslanders from outside of Brisbane.

“The Matildas and Socceroos are a significant winner for Brisbane’s visitor economy with a $10 million bonus for local tourism and hospitality operators.”

Queensland’s international festival of football starts on 3 September with the Matildas v Canada

Canada is a Tokyo Olympic Games champion and currently ranked number six in the world.

The Socceroos are confirmed for a Suncorp Stadium clash with New Zealand’s All Whites on 22 September.

“Brisbane will be last opportunity anywhere in Australia to witness the Socceroos ahead their 2022 FIFA World Cup™ campaign in Qatar,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Matildas and Canada play just hours before Riverfire lights up the night sky, making it the perfect weekend away in Brisbane for regional Queensland and interstate football fans.

“New Zealand and the Socceroos in Brisbane is an important event for both countries, marking a century since the southern hemisphere’s first international football match in Dunedin.

“This year, Australia celebrates 100 years of the men’s national football team, now known globally as the Socceroos.    

“We’ve secured these major football events for Queensland’s first-class line up of international sporting events on our green and gold runway to Brisbane 2032.”

Football Australia CEO James Johnson said there had never been a more exciting time for Australian football.

“To be able to have both our senior national teams playing in the same city, at the same venue and during the same month is very special,” Mr Johnson said.

“Football fans from across Australia will converge on the Queensland capital to take up the opportunity to see Australia’s best footballers prepare for their respective FIFA World Cups™.

“Queensland was well represented in the very first men’s national team and we are delighted to honour that connection through this Centenary match at Suncorp Stadium.

“We look forward to delivering two memorable matches.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said major events helped power Brisbane’s economy, encouraging people to stay longer and support local businesses.

“Football fever is taking over this September, exciting residents, driving visitation, and showcasing Brisbane nationally and globally as a world-class event city,” Cr Schrinner said.

“These blockbuster matches will attract more than 25,000 visitors from across Queensland and interstate to Brisbane who will stay in our hotels, enjoy Brisbane’s world-class dining destinations and support local businesses.

“These historic football matches come just one year out from the world’s largest women’s sporting event, with eight FIFA Women’s World Cup matches to be hosted by Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in 2023.”

The Matildas and Socceroos international games in Brisbane were secured by the Palaszczuk Government through Tourism an Events Queensland and Brisbane City Council’s Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

Tickets go on sale at 1:00pm AEST on Friday, 15 July with adult tickets starting from $31.

Two-match packages are also available at: www.ticketek.com.au

Media: 0427 475 089