The Socceroos kick off the third phase of 2022 World Cup qualifying against China in Qatar on September 3 (AEST).
Unable to host the match in Australia, Graham Arnold's side have been forced to head to the Middle East again after playing their last four qualifiers in a Kuwaiti hub.
Despite not playing on home soil since late 2019, the green and gold have won their past eight matches and will be hopeful of building on that momentum in Qatar.
China, meanwhile, also won all four of their recent World Cup qualifiers and conceded just once in the process.
Socceroos vs China match details
| Game | How to watch | Venue | Date (AEST) | Time (AEST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia vs China | Channel 10, 10 Play | Khalifa International Stadium | Fri, Sep 3 | 4.00am |
Both nations got through the second phase of qualifying without much hassle and now have their sights set firmly on returning to Qatar next year.
The Socceroos have seemingly found their groove under Arnold with their recent 1-0 win over Jordan highlighting their ability to grind out results when needed.
Australia have qualified for the past four World Cups and will be desperate to make it five straight.
China have only ever played at one World Cup in 2002 and are gradually making strides in their quest to return to the world's biggest stage.
Li Tie's side have won their past five matches and recently jumped up to 71st in the FIFA world rankings.
China have beaten the Socceroos twice across their past three meetings with one of those victories coming in Australia during 2010 World Cup qualifying.
How to watch the Socceroos vs China in Australia
This match will mark the first game shown on Network Ten after they acquired a variety of Australian football rights this past year.
While streaming service Paramount Plus isn't ready to show the action just yet, the Socceroos' game against China will be broadcast on television via Channel 10 and online via 10 Play.
10 Play is available via the App Store and Google Play with the platform also accessible via Apple TV, Android TV, Freeview, Fetch, Samsung and Telstra TV.
Simon Hill and Andy Harper will be calling the action on Friday morning with Mark Milligan, Bruce Djite, Alex Brosque and Georgia Yeoman-Dale also set to provide their analysis.
Full Socceroos squad & team news
| Name | Team | Name | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Arzani | Lommel SK, Belgium | Ryan McGowan | Kuwait SC, Kuwait |
| Aziz Behich | Giresunspor, Turkey | Riley McGree | Birmingham City, England |
| Martin Boyle | Hibernian, Scotland | Aaron Mooy | Shanghai Port, China |
| Milos Degenek | Red Star Belgrade, Serbia | Tom Rogic | Celtic, Scotland |
| Kenneth Dougall | Blackpool, England | Mathew Ryan (GK) | Real Sociedad, Spain |
| Mitch Duke | Fagiano Okayama, Japan | Trent Sainsbury | KV Kortrijk, Belgium |
| Callum Elder | Hull City, England | Brad Smith | Seattle Sounders, USA |
| Denis Genreau | Toulouse FC, France | Harry Souttar | Stoke City, England |
| Rhyan Grant | Sydney FC, Australia | Ryan Strain | Maccabi Haifa, Israel |
| Ajdin Hrustic | Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany | Adam Taggart | Cerezo Osaka, Japan |
| Jackson Irvine | St Pauli, Geermany | Lawrence Thomas (GK) | SønderjyskE Fodbold, Denmark |
| Paul Izzo (GK) | Xanthi FC, Greece | Danny Vukovic (GK) | NEC Nijmegen, Netherlands |
| James Jeggo | Aris Thessaloniki, Greece | Bailey Wright | Sunderland, England |
| Awer Mabil | FC Midtjylland, Denmark |
A number of Australia-based players have pulled out of these qualifiers due to the current COVID-19 situation with Mathew Leckie among a host of players unavailable.
Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic return to the side however after being absent from the last round of qualifiers.
Brescia defender Fran Karacic wasn't picked due to injury with Rhyan Grant set to shoulder the load at right-back.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday night, Arnold confirmed Maty Ryan should be fit for the match after a recent knee injury.
Possible Socceroos XI: Ryan; Elder, Souttar, Sainsbury, Grant; Mooy, Hrustic, Rogic; Boyle, Taggart, Mabil.
Socceroos vs China past results
| Date | Match | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Jan 2015 | Australia 2-0 China | Asian Cup |
| 28 Jul 2013 | Australia 3-4 China | East Asian Cup |
| 22 Jun 2008 | Australia 0-1 China | 2010 World Cup qualifying |
| 26 Mar 2008 | China 0-0 Australia | 2010 World Cup qualifying |
| 24 Mar 2007 | China 0-2 Australia | Friendly |
Socceroos vs China betting odds*
The Socceroos are 1.74 favourites to claim a win on Friday with a draw valued at 3.40 and a China victory at 5.00 via Palmerbet.
A tight affair is expected with under 2.5 goals being scored going at odds of 1.61.
*Odds correct at the time of publication.