Melbourne will host the Socceroos for the first time in four years as they vie to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will attract tens of thousands of fans to the city and deliver an important boost to businesses and jobs. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced the AFC Asian Qualifier – Road to Qatar 2022 fixture between the Socceroos and Vietnam will be held at AAMI Park on Thursday 27 January 2022.
“The Socceroos returning to Melbourne shows major events are back in a big way in Victoria. Our 2022 calendar of events is shaping up strongly, and every extra event brings major benefits to our economy.” Minister Pakula commented “Securing this FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Melbourne is another demonstration of the Andrews Labor Government’s commitment to delivering major international events in Victoria.”
“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.” Football Australia CEO James Johnson




“Premium sporting events, such as a World Cup qualifier, bring large crowds – this is exactly what our tourism and hospitality businesses want to see.” Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements commented.
McClements said that supported by the Andrews Labor Government, the event is expected to inject around $3 million into the Victorian economy and attract up to 30,000 attendees, helping to fill the city’s hotels, bars and restaurants.
Mr. Johnson explained that the Socceroos have won eleven of their last fourteen matches and the match against Vietnam will have a crucial bearing on whether Australia can qualify for its fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup later in 2022.
Minister Pakula said that The Labor Government is helping develop the Socceroos of the future by backing community soccer, investing $127 million to support more than 220 projects since December 2014. Melbourne will also host six matches of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – the biggest standalone women’s sporting event in the world, with the Matildas scheduled to play on 31 July 2023. The Government is backing a blockbuster calendar of events in 2022, which will encourage more interstate travellers to visit Victoria.