The trans-Tasman rivals – facing off for the New Zealand and Australia Soccer Ashes Trophy – will meet at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford in London. The match will kick off at 7.45pm local (5.45am Aus | 7.45am NZ on Wednesday, 18 October).

The match against the All Whites will come on the heels of the Socceroos’ much anticipated match against world number-five ranked England at Wembley Stadium on Friday, 13 October. 

“This game marks the return of a historic piece of our sporting history in the Soccer Ashes Trophy, which will be contested for the first time in more than 60 years – a truly unique sporting story,” Football Australia CEO, James Johnson said.  

“The trophy is a powerful symbol of the many ties that bind our two nations, and I am pleased we have been able to work so closely with New Zealand Football to bring back the Soccer Ashes trophy.

“We’re delighted to provide the many Australian and New Zealand expats living in London and throughout Europe with the opportunity to support their respective national teams live, and I’d like the thank the team at Brentford Football Club for hosting us at Gtech Community Stadium.”

Socceroos’ coach Graham Arnold said the match would be a great occasion for both teams with the Soccer Ashes Trophy up for grabs.

“We’ve had some fantastic battles over the years and I’m sure this will be no different,” he said. “It is a rich history that both nations share, and we are looking forward to writing another chapter in what is a storied rivalry that is driven by our competitive desire and connected through a mutual respect.

“Reinstating the Soccer Ashes is a wonderful way to honour the history of our respective national teams and we’re excited to be playing for them in London in October,” Arnold concluded.

New Zealand Football CEO, Andrew Pragnell said: “Since the Soccer Ashes trophy was rediscovered, locking in a game against Australia to play for them was a top priority, so I’m delighted to finally confirm the match details and look forward to seeing all of the Kiwis and Aussies at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.

“This trophy represents not just the shared footballing history of our two countries but also the shared history of our two nations in general, so it will be a special occasion to see it competed for this October for the first time in nearly 70 years.”