Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Socceroos certain to go to Bangladesh

Despite the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, the Socceroos are certain to go to Bangladesh for their World Cup qualifier.

Socceroos
Socceroos Source: SBS

The Socceroos are certain to go ahead with Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Bangladesh despite the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.

Amongst the harrowing events that claimed more than 120 lives - a figure that is expected to rise - explosions were heard inside Stade de France during the nation's friendly against Germany on Saturday morning (AEDT).

Islamic State, who also claimed responsibility for killing two foreign nationals in Dhaka just two months ago, later released a statement explaining that it had deliberately targeted the French capital.

But Football Federation Australia said the national squad - who are currently in camp in Singapore - have no plans to deviate from their expected arrival in Bangladesh on Monday.

They are scheduled to leave on Wednesday.

"Our position has not changed," an FFA spokesperson told AAP.

While the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) have advised travellers to reconsider going to Paris, their instruction to "exercise a high degree of caution" to Bangladesh has not changed.

The Australian cricket team had cancelled a tour of Bangladesh last month in a move CEO James Sutherland felt he had "no choice" but to make due to the length of their stay.

However the FFA are comfortable with their own security team's meetings held with government intelligence officials as well as FIFA in preparation for this week's game.

The Socceroos were dealt a blow on Saturday after strike men Tomi Juric and Tom Rogic were ruled out with injury following last week's 3-0 win over Kyrgyzstan.

Their omissions follow the pre-match withdrawal of Matthew Leckie.

Both Juric and Rogic were released to return to their clubs, but coach Ange Postecoglu said he would not be bringing in any replacements for the match.

A win would momentarily lift Australia ahead of Group B leaders Jordan, who meet Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday.

Bangladesh have failed to win any of their six matches and have scored just two goals in total.

Regardless of the results in the group this week, top spot is likely to come down to Jordan's visit to Australia next March.


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world