It may be listed as an international friendly, but there’s plenty on the line when Australia and New Zealand face off. It’s the first game in the two-match series for the ‘Soccer Ashes’ and the Before You Bet team have you covered with our full preview and best bet!
Socceroos vs New Zealand: Soccer Ashes Game 1 Preview & Betting Tips
GIO Stadium Canberra, Friday 5th September, 7:45pm AEST
The Socceroos meet the All Whites in Canberra on Friday night in the latest edition of the Soccer Ashes. While it’s officially a friendly, this match serves as an important yardstick for both nations with less than a year until the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Australia enter this clash unbeaten in their last eight fixtures under Tony Popovic, conceding just four goals in that period. The defensive structure has tightened, with the back line holding a higher shape and fullbacks encouraged to push inside to overload midfield. Their control phases have improved, but the attack has sometimes relied on moments of individual quality rather than consistent patterns. Australia have been a lot harder to score against, but their work in the front third leaves a lot to be desired, which has been a consistent theme for Tony Popovic managed sides.
New Zealand come into this fixture with belief after securing qualification for the World Cup next year, but their recent record against top 50 nations remains poor. They’ve bullied smaller sides in Oceania, but have a 1-1-7 record against sides inside the top 50 on FIFA’s rankings since 2023. They haven’t beaten Australia since 2002, and have only beaten the Socceroos twice in the last 34 years.
Popovic has opted for youth in this squad, with many young Australians already making an impact at the start of the season in Europe. Nestory Irankunda and Sam Silvera offer direct pace on the flanks, which will give the Socceroos a chance to stretch New Zealand horizontally and create isolation opportunities against their fullbacks. The absence of Mat Ryan and Jackson Irvine leaves a leadership gap, but it also allows the younger brigade to fight for a place in the side heading into the 2026 World Cup.
New Zealand’s squad is more settled than Australia’s side, in what will be a big test for the All Whites. Chris Wood remains their focal point in attack, and will give the Australians some issues if he gets good supply. The back four for New Zealand will be the big worry if their midfield allows Australia to dominate possession, which could be vulnerable to the Socceroos pace out wide.
Match Prediction
Australia’s historical dominance in this rivalry can’t be overlooked, with a 20-2-3 record against New Zealand since 1988. New Zealand have sometimes approached the fixture with too much safety in the past and tried to beat Australia on the counter, however given both nations have already qualified for the World Cup, there is less pressure and more room for risk taking. That could suit New Zealand if they are willing to commit numbers forward.
On paper, Australia’s squad is deeper and more versatile, especially in wide attacking areas. If Irankunda and Silvera can pin New Zealand’s fullbacks, the Socceroos should generate enough chances, while the Socceroos midfield should be able to control the possession battle and get plenty of supply for their attacking players. Australia have won five straight against New Zealand, with three of their last four wins coming by 2+ goals. The Socceroos will continue their dominance over their Trans-Tasman rivals, in the nation’s capital.
Australia -1.5
$2.50 (1 Unit)
