Australia will start their preparations for the World Cup in Russia with an international friendly against Norway in Oslo in March.
The match against Lars Lagerback’s side will be played at the 28,000-capacity Ullevaal Stadion on Friday 23 March 2018 (local time), and will represent the third meeting between the Socceroos and Norway at senior men’s international level.
The Australians and Norwegians first played in Sydney in January 1997, a game the Socceroos won 1-0 thanks to Robbie Hooker’s 72nd minute strike.
There was also a meeting in London in November 2004, a year prior to the team’s successful qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Goals to Tim Cahill and Josip Skoko ensured Australia departed Craven Cottage with a 2-2 draw.
The game in Oslo, which will be telecast live on Fox Sports and Channel 10, will be the first of two friendlies that the Socceroos will play in March’s FIFA window.
Football Federation Australia is close to finalising the second international friendly, with an announcement expected soon.
