The CommBank Socceroos will face Tajikistan, Iraq and Singapore at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, following this morning's draw at the At-Turaif World Heritage Site in Riyadh.
Drawn in Group D, the CommBank Socceroos will open their sixth AFC Asian Cup campaign against Singapore on January 9, before facing Iraq on January 14 and Tajikistan on January 19.
The CommBank Socceroos, who won the AFC Asian Cup in 2015, were drawn in Pot 1 after finishing top of their group in the second round of AFC qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The 24-team tournament will be played from January 7 to February 5 across eight stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar.
It will be the CommBank Socceroos' sixth AFC Asian Cup appearance, coming 20 years after their tournament debut in 2007.
Quotes attributable to CommBank Socceroos Head Coach Tony Popovic:
"We are delighted to now have clarity on our group opponents for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.
"It is a competition that holds an important place in Australian football history, following our success in 2015, and one we will approach with great ambition and respect.
"Our immediate focus remains on the FIFA World Cup 2026, and ensuring we are fully prepared for that challenge. But we have always had one eye on the future, with the Asian Cup following just six months later.
"We always embrace the challenge of competing in Asia. I have enormous respect for Asian football, the quality of the teams, the passion of the supporters, and the different styles and conditions across the region. We know there are no easy matches at this level.
"Singapore, Tajikistan and Iraq are all strong opponents that we know and respect, and we look forward to the challenge ahead."
Quotes attributable to Football Australia Executive Director of Football Heather Garriock:
"We welcome the confirmation of the CommBank Socceroos' group for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and look forward to another important moment in our journey in Asian football.
"This tournament is an important part of Australian football history, especially after our win in 2015, and it comes at a time when our links with Asia are stronger than ever.
"The tournament kicks off in the 21st year since our acceptance into the Asian Football Confederation, and during that time we have seen huge growth in football across the region. That connection is now a key part of football in Australia, across our national teams and development pathways.
"It also follows Australia successfully hosting the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, which was a major event for the game in this country.
"The CommBank Socceroos now continue that momentum into the Asian Cup 2027, and we are proud of our role in Asian football both on and off the pitch."
COMMBANK SOCCEROOS GROUP STAGE MATCHES | AFC ASIAN CUP SAUDI ARABIA 2027™
Australia v Singapore
Date: Saturday, 9 January
Broadcast: Paramount+
Iraq v Australia
Date: Thursday, 14 January
Broadcast: Paramount+
Australia v Tajikistan
Date: Tuesday, 19 January
Broadcast: Paramount+
Full AFC Asian Cup 2027™ draw
Group A: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine
Group B: Uzbekistan, Bahrain, DPR Korea, Jordan
Group C: IR Iran, Syria, Kyrgyz Republic, China PR
Group D: Australia, Tajikistan, Iraq, Singapore
Group E: Korea Republic, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Lebanon/Yemen
Group F: Japan, Qatar, Thailand, Indonesia
