Football Australia has confirmed it will send a team to participate in the UEFA Friendship Cup to be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 30 May - 11 June 2025.
This latest announcement marks a busy period of activity within the men's national team pathway, with all squads active across the June FIFA Men's International Window.
With all junior men's national teams already committed to activity, Football Australia will stand up an U18 side to compete in the tournament and face the likes of Argentina, France, Japan, Portugal, Senegal, USA and Uruguay.
The UEFA Friendship Cup - now in its second year - will be conducted in a two-group format with all participating teams guaranteed four matches, which include three Group games, and a crossover fixture based on the final Group standings.
Australia have been drawn into Group A alongside Argentina, France and the USA.
The selected U18 side travelling to Geneva will have an eye to the future, with the squad set to feature several potential Subway Young Socceroos for the next cycle.
They will be led by current Subway Young Socceroos Assistant Coach, Richard Garcia with a view to integrating and embedding the standards and playing principles the squad can expect to find in the U20 program.
The assembly comes at an opportune time for the U20 cohort, with additional eligible players in action internationally, as preparations for the FIFA U20 World Cup Chile 2025ä intensify.
Football Australia's Head of National Teams, Gary Moretti said it was an exciting development to have an additional team active in June.
"We saw an opportunity to be involved in the UEFA Friendship Cup which aligned with our long-term strategy for the (2027) U20 age group," Moretti said.
"It's a fantastic chance for these players to face varied international opposition in new conditions and further strengthen their connection to the national team pathway as they develop.
"To have all our men's teams active and to then stand up another is something we're extremely proud of, as we know just how beneficial this volume of activity can be to individual players, staff and our underage programs more broadly.
"This is a great tournament that has been established by UEFA which we're very thankful to be part of, and I'm looking forward to seeing our U18s in action."
