Australia has snapped up hosting rights to soccer’s FIFA Series 2026, the governing body’s new biennial international mini tournament in March that will serve as a warm-up event for next year’s men’s World Cup.
The series, involving four nations in a two-match, double-header format, will take place in the March international window and has been set up to ensure high-quality fixtures between nations ahead of the World Cup being held across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
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The format will see the Australian men’s team (Socceroos) face two non-traditional opponents to provide match practice against diverse playing styles ahead of their participation in FIFA’s flagship event.
The Socceroos qualified for their sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup in June, following their 2-1 win against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.
FIFA is yet to announce the three visiting teams, as well as the two venues staging the matches, but said the series would “provide a pathway for national teams that rarely face opponents from other continents.”
It will also give fans the chance to see the Socceroos in action in home stadiums before the tournament. The men’s team has not played a home game since September, when they beat New Zealand 1-0 in Canberra.
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By GlobalDataHowever, overseas matches have included wins against New Zealand and Canada, as well as losses against the US, Venezuela, and Colombia in the US.
Heather Garriock, Football Australia’s interim chief executive, said: “These matches will play an essential role in preparing the CommBank Socceroos for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 whilst also strengthening our international competitiveness as a whole.”
“The FIFA Series aligns closely with our strategic vision for Australian football as it gives our players exposure to diverse playing styles, creates meaningful international match minutes, and supports our broader ambition to elevate the CommBank Socceroos on the global stage.
The 2026 edition is FIFA’s first full-scale implementation of the initiative, part of the body’s ‘strategic objectives’ to promote competitive balance and cross-confederation opposition.
Other hosts in March will include Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Rwanda, and Puerto Rico.
In preparation for the World Cup, France said it is looking to set up meetings with Brazil and Colombia in two friendly internationals staged in the US in March.
During a press conference, French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo, said: “Nothing has been signed yet, but things are well on track for us to be able to breathe American air in March with two prestigious opponents. I think it's the right opportunity, since the World Cup will be held there.
“Brazil are seeded, so we're sure we won't face them in the group stage. Colombia could be an opponent, so we'll have to see what Didier Deschamps says. While we wait for the draw, we're making good progress.”
The FIFA 2026 World Cup will start on June 11 and run through July 19.
