Perth will host the first match of Australia's final stage of qualification on the Road to Russia with FFA CEO David Gallop confirming the match venue suited the organisation's football and commercial interests.
“We are pleased to be taking the Caltex Socceroos back to Perth for the first match of this final round of World Cup qualifying,” Gallop said.
“I’d like to thank the West Australian Government and Premier Colin Barnett for his continued support of Australian football."
Perth’s facilities and the ability to travel to Dubai for the clash with the United Arab Emirates on 6 September (7 September AEST) was another factor as the Socceroos return to Perth after last year's 5-0 win over Bangladesh in the second round of qualifiers.
“We’re happy to be coming back to Perth for the match against Iraq to start our next round of World Cup Qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup,” Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said.
“Playing this game in Perth gives us the best possible opportunity to perform to our optimum for the first two matches of what will be a long and tough qualification.
Socceroos duo Trent Sainsbury and Josh Risdon, who both hail from Western Australia, were delighted by the news.
“I’m thrilled to hear we’ll be playing the World Cup Qualifier against Iraq in Perth,” Sainsbury said. “Perth is my home town and I look forward to wearing the green and gold in front of my family and friends.
Perth Glory's Risdon added: “I’m fortunate to play my club football in front of family and friends but it would be an unbelievable experience to be part of a Socceroo squad for the match against Iraq in Perth.”
MATCH DETAILS
Australia v Iraq
Thursday 1 September 2016
Perth Rectangular Stadium
Kick-off 6.30pm (8.30pm AEST)
