The Socceroos return to Canberra on Friday night when they face New Zealand at GIO Stadium in the first leg of the Soccer Ashes.
With Australia already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Tony Popovic has the chance to fine-tune his squad and blood new talent, with seven players in line for a potential debut. Rising stars like Nestory Irankunda, Adrian Segecic headline a youthful group looking to cement their places ahead of next year’s finals, while the clash also revives a trans-Tasman rivalry dating back nearly a century.
For New Zealand, this is another chance to test themselves against their neighbours, though just one win in the past decade underlines the challenge ahead. The return of the Soccer Ashes trophy, rediscovered in 2023 after nearly 70 years, adds extra intrigue as it is contested on Australian soil for the first time since its revival.
With a near-capacity crowd expected in Canberra and fresh focus on the city’s A-League ambitions, the spotlight will shine on both the Socceroos’ emerging generation and the capital’s appetite for top-tier football.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the weekly schedule.
New Zealand vs. Socceroos live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this International friendly in the U.S.:
TV channel: 10
Live stream: Paramount+, 10 play
This match is available for live TV broadcast on Channel 10. Streaming options are available on Paramount+ and 10 play.
What time does New Zealand vs. Socceroos kick off?
This international friendly takes place at the GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, and kicks off on Friday, September 5, at 7:45 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Fri, Sep. 5 | 7:45 p.m. |
| Australian Central Daylight Time | Fri, Sep. 5 | 7:15 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Fri, Sep. 5 | 5:45 p.m. |
New Zealand's upcoming fixtures
Here are New Zealand's next two matches:
| Day & Date | Opponent | Time (AEST) |
| Fri, Sep. 5 | Socceroos | 7:45 p.m. |
| Tue, Sep. 9 | Socceroos | 5:00 p.m. |
Socceroos' upcoming fixtures
Here are the Socceroos' next two matches:
| Day & Date | Opponent | Time (AEST) |
| Fri, Sep. 5 | New Zealand | 7:45 p.m. |
| Tue, Sep. 9 | New Zealand | 5:00 p.m. |
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