Network 10 will kick off its exclusive football coverage of the Socceroos when Australia takes on China PR, on Friday, September 3, live and free from 3.30am AEST on 10 and simulcast on 10 Play.
As the Socceroos attempt to earn a spot at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, this “home” match will take place in Doha, Qatar, due to COVID-19 restrictions, as Australia begins the third round of AFC Asian Qualifiers.
In their final round of qualifying, Australia will play China PR, Vietnam, Oman, Japan and Saudi Arabia through a series of home and away clashes.
10’s football commentary team will feature Simon Hill and Andy Harper.
Also joining 10’s football broadcasts will be Mark Milligan, Georgia Yeoman-Dale, Bruce Djite and Alex Brosque.
Simon Hill said: “The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of football, and the Socceroos haven’t missed a finals in two decades. This is a tough but winnable group, and a good performance could set the tone for their return in 2022.
“The squad is a good blend of youth and experience and the Socceroos have a track record of being difficult to beat in these qualifiers. They’ll need that resilience in this marathon qualifying campaign.
“The Socceroos are about to make some exciting new World Cup memories, and the countdown to Qatar officially starts here.”
As Australia prepares to head into the final round of qualifying, Network 10 Sports Presenter Scott Mackinnon will be joined by Milligan, Harper and Djite to look back on the Socceroos journey and preview the road ahead in Socceroos: Road to Qatar, on Sunday, 29 August at 4.00pm on 10 Bold.
The Socceroos will play Vietnam on Tuesday, 7 September live from 9.30pm AEST on 10 Bold and simulcast on 10 Play.
This starts a new broadcast deal for Football Australia after ViacomCBS spent another $100 million to upgrade its contract to secure more soccer broadcast rights. The deal will see all the Australian National Teams and the FFA Cup matches broadcast across Network 10 and Paramount+.
The $100 million will be spread across a three year deal, and gives ViacomCBS the broadcast rights to all national teams (Socceroos, Westfield Matildas, Young Socceroos, Young Matildas, Joeys and Westfield Junior Matildas) owned or controlled by Football Australia, as well as AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar, AFC Asian Cups and, other AFC tournaments until 31 December 2024.
Previously, Fox Sports held the broadcast rights to these matches.
The upcoming AFC Asian Qualifying matches across both groups will be streamed live and free on 10 Play.