Tim Cahill to headline exhibition match against Ronaldinho in Sydney as part of “Joga Bonito Tour”
“Ronaldinho’s XI vs. Cahill’s XI” to be played on 1 November, 2024 at CommBank Stadium
Tickets for Sydney match already on sale, via Ticketek
INCASA.DM has today announced that Australian football legend Tim Cahill will captain a team of local Australian and A-League royalty to face Brazilian icon Ronaldinho in the much-anticipated exhibition match at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on November 1, 2024.
Dubbed “Ronaldinho’s XI vs. Cahill’s XI,” this match marks Cahill’s first appearance on home soil since 2019.
Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho (L) is tackled by Australian midfielder Tim Cahill (R) in their opening round Group F World Cup football match at Munich’s World Cup Stadium. ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
Cahill’s team will have north of 450 combined Matildas and Socceroos caps, with the complete squad lists set to be unveiled in the coming weeks via social media. This unique showdown promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for football fans.
“I’m really looking forward to coming home and putting on a show with the legend that is Ronaldinho,” Cahill said. “When he asked me to join him I couldn’t say no. It’s going to be great to reconnect with some old teammates too and give the fans a great experience at CommBank stadium,” he added.
Don’t miss your chance to secure tickets for what will be an amazing clash of stars in Sydney. Tickets for “Ronaldinho’s XI vs. Cahill’s XI” are available now via Ticketek, starting at $80.
Make sure to follow the‘Joga Bonito Tour’Instagram channel as new information, along with exciting squad announcements, are released in the coming days and weeks.
Brazilian football icon and FIFA World Cup champion Ronaldinho will grace Australian shores for the first time since the 2000 Olympics, headlining an exhibition match at CommBank Stadium in Western Sydney on Friday, November 1, 2024.
The landmark event is part of INCASA.DM’s “Joga Bonito Tour,” a series of exclusive events and appearances presented in partnership with Ultra Football.
Ronaldinho, renowned for his mesmerising talent and infectious passion for the game, is set to spread his love of football through his Australian tour. The exhibition match will feature teams composed of local Brazilian players, alongside Australian football greats, both male and female, with the squads to be released gradually over the coming weeks. It’s a unique opportunity for Australian fans to witness one of the greatest footballers of all time in action and celebrate the beautiful game.
Jean Narde, a Director of INCASA.DM and former teammate of Ronaldinho at Flemengo in Brazil, added, “Bringing Ronaldinho to Australia has been a dream come true. His visit will not only showcase his legendary talent but also inspire a new generation of footballers. This match will be a celebration of football that unites past and present heroes.”
Ronaldinho himself expressed his excitement about the visit: “I’m incredibly excited to bring the Joga Bonito Tour to Australia and share my love for football with fans down under. I can’t wait to experience the energy of the Australian football community and celebrate the game with everyone.”
Venues NSW and CommBank Stadium CEO Kerrie Mather added: “Ronaldinho is an icon of world football and we can’t wait to host this exciting new event at CommBank Stadium. It’s going to be a special night and a rare opportunity to watch some of football’s biggest stars in action.”
Ultra Football Brand Manager, Michael Hodgson added: “It doesn’t get any bigger than Ronaldinho. Thousands of fans in this country and around the world fell in love with the game because of his ridiculous skills and infectious on-pitch charisma. A true genius with the ball at his feet… we can’t wait to see him lace up a pair of iconic boots once more in Sydney, all whilst wearing a specially designed Joga Bonito kit.”
Tickets for this family-friendly match will go on sale at 1:00 PM AEST on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, via Ticketek. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Ronaldinho live at CommBank Stadium and be part of football history. Tickets start at $80, with kids’ tickets available from $60.
Make sure to follow the ‘Joga Bonito Tour’Instagram channel as new information, along with exciting squad announcements and partnerships, are released in the coming weeks.
INCASA.DM aims to revolutionise the sports culture landscape by providing a comprehensive suite of services including elite athlete events, specialised football training, sports management, and mentorship. The company targets athletes aged 8-30 and seeks to become the leading sports culture platform through innovative offerings and educational content. Find out more
Ultra Football is a leading football retailer and brand dedicated to serving the needs of football enthusiasts and players of all levels. Known for its extensive range of high-quality football gear, apparel, and footwear, Ultra Football combines cutting-edge technology with a deep passion for the sport. Their flagship stores and online platform offer an immersive shopping experience, catering to both amateur and professional footballers. Find Out More
The National Rugby League (NRL) has today announced the draw for the 2024 Pacific Championships to be played in four countries across four consecutive weekends in October and November.
In a major development, the 2024 edition will see the introduction of promotion and relegation with the winner of the Men’s and Women’s Pacific Bowls to play off against the third-placed Pacific Cup nations for a place in their respective 2025 Pacific Cup pools.
Fiji will host Pacific Championship matches for the first time as the event expands further into the Pacific in 2024, with Port Moresby’s Santos Stadium to once again host matches alongside Brisbane, Christchurch, Auckland and Sydney.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the introduction of promotion and relegation adds extra significance to each contest following the success of the maiden Pacific Championships in 2023.
“The 2024 Pacific Championships will be the biggest sporting event in the region,” Mr Abdo said.
“This year we have raised the stakes by adding promotion and relegation across the men’s and women’s tournaments so there is a great deal at stake in the Pacific Championships.”
Abdo said the 2024 Pacific Championships will once again serve as a reminder of the cultural significance of Rugby League within Pasifika communities.
“As the Pacific’s largest sport, Rugby League is fast becoming the language that unifies the region.
“The Pacific Championships is a powerful showcase and celebration of culture, connecting passionate Rugby League fans in each host city and nation into one pulsating sporting community.
“Fans will have the opportunity to experience the unique colour and atmosphere that the Pacific Championships brings with each venue hosting double-header match days to create a carnival atmosphere with local and visiting supporters.”
Tournament details:
The 2024 Men’s tournament will once again feature two divisions with top ranked nations Australia, New Zealand and Tonga to contest the Cup while Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Cook Islands will face-off for the Bowl.
An expanded 2024 Women’s tournament will include four weeks of Cup and Bowl matches, with the Bowl to serve as a Rugby League World Cup 2026 qualifying event. The Women’s Cup division includes top ranked Australia, New Zealand and PNG, with Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa to contest the Bowl. The Women’s Bowl winners will be rewarded with direct entry to RLWC 2026, while the runner-up will progress to the 2025 World Series.
The 2024 Pacific Championships is proudly supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
The Pacific Bowl is proudly supported by the Australian Government through PacificAus Sports. PacificAus Sports creates opportunities for Australian and Pacific athletes to learn, train, play, and grow together.
Tickets start at just $25 for adults and $50 for families via nrl.com/tickets.
NRL Club Members will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets from 11am AEST today (Friday 30 August), followed by NRL Account Holders from 2pm AEST.
Tickets will be available to the general public from 4pm AEST today.
Football NSW has announced that the 2024 National Premier Leagues Men’s and Women’s NSW First Grade Grand Finals will be played as a double header at CommBank Stadium on Saturday, 7th September.
Parramatta’s state-of-the-art stadium will play host to some of the best NPL football talent in Australia, with the Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals coming together for the first time in a spectacular end to the 2024 NPL NSW Season.
Confirming Football NSW’s commitment to delivering the best participant and spectator experience, the double header will provide a unique opportunity to witness the top NSW teams in men’s and women’s football going head-to-head for Championship glory.
Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas was excited about the prospects of bringing the two finals together in a historic event for the NSW football community.
“It is exciting for everyone involved to be able to host both our women’s and men’s top tier competitions at such a prestigious football venue,” he said.
“Football NSW is dedicated to showcasing our competitions and this double header will be a crowning moment in what’s been an exciting season for everyone involved.
“How can you not be excited by the prospect of seeing our best female and male players competing in their biggest game of the season, in front of what we hope will be a healthy crowd supporting our beautiful game.” With the men’s and women’s regular seasons still in the balance, the announcement provides extra motivation for the teams fighting for a Championship Series spot.
Ticketing information will be released soon and, off the back of unprecedented growth in the sport, Football NSW is encouraging the footballing community and the wider public to get out and support some of the state’s top footballing talent.
The 2024 edition will be Footbal NSWs third Grand Final event hosted at CommBank Stadium, with previous NPL Men’s NSW finals taking place in 2019 when APIA Leichhardt FC was crowned Champions and 2022 which saw Blacktown City FC lift the trophy.
2024 NPL Men’s and Women’s NSW Double Header Saturday, September 7 CommBank Stadium, Parramatta NPL Women’s NSW Grand Final Kick-off 2:00pm NPL Men’s NSW Grand Final Kick-off 6.00pm
Australia’s own multi-platinum chart-topping global superstar The Kid LAROI has shared his re-routed national Australian tour for November 2024, with CommBank Stadium locked in for a blockbuster show on Saturday 16 November.
Armed with his debut studio album THE FIRST TIME and having just dropped the hit new single Girls, LAROI’s forthcoming national tour will also see the Sydney-hailing superstar’s iconic friends, Quavo and ONEFOUR jump on the tour with him (excluding Gold Coast and Hobart shows).
Presented by TEG Live, this mammoth Aussie run will commence on November 11 at Gold Coast Home of the Arts, before traversing Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Hobart, finishing up in Melbourne with shows at Rod Laver on November 29 and 30.
Tickets to THE FIRST TIME shows will go on sale to the general public on Thursday 8 August at 1pm local from ticketek.com.au, with an exclusive 48-hour artist presale live from Tuesday 6 August at 1pm (password FIRSTTIME).
Expanding on the homegrown hero’s first-ever headline Australian tour in 2022, which saw LAROI add multiple extra arena shows due to overwhelming demand, these upcoming 2024 shows will also give his legion of fans a chance to witness some of LAROI’s most iconic hits from his 2021 ARIA Award-winning collab with Justin Bieber, Stay, to his near on 1 billion streamed smash, Without You, to His genre-blurring 2022 track Thousand Miles, his 2023 chart-burner Love Again and of course his latest hit single, Girls. The tour will also showcase LAROI’s most personal and musically complex statement to date in the form of his brand new album THE FIRST TIME, boasting 20 new songs from the revered Aussie export alongside his trademark amalgamation of hip hop, pop, alternative and indie flavours.
Supporting LAROI on the tour will be his pal, American rapper, singer, producer and global icon, Quavo. The Migos frontman has reached celebrity status the world over, with a number of acclaimed Migos and solo album releases under his belt. He has performed alongside Madonna at the Eurovision finale in 2019, and amassed Billboard 100 Top Ten Singles with Post Malone on Congratulations, Justin Bieber’s Intentions, Liam Payne’s Strip That Down, Drake’s Portland, and DJ Khaled’s No Brainer, and only last month releasing Tough with Lana Del Ray.
The pioneers of drill music in Australia, Sydney’s ONEFOUR will also be hitting the road with LAROI, offering a hugely rare opportunity to see drill and rap group live on stage, having only performed live a handful of times over the decade since they formed, including at LAROI’s 2022 Sydney show when he pulled them on stage.
THE KID LAROI THE FIRST TIME AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2024 SUPPORTED BY QUAVO AND ONEFOUR *
MONDAY 11 NOVEMBER | GOLD COAST HOME OF THE ARTS, QLD | ALL AGES THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER | BRISBANE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, QLD | ALL AGES SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER | SYDNEY COMMBANK STADIUM, NSW | ALL AGES* WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER | PERTH RAC ARENA, WA | ALL AGES* SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER | ADELAIDE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, SA | ALL AGES* WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER | HOBART MYSTATE BANK ARENA, TAS | ALL AGES FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER + SAT 30 NOVEMBER | MELBOURNE ROD LAVER ARENA, VIC | ALL AGES*
Tickets to THE FIRST TIME Australian tour go on sale Thursday 8 August from 1pm local time through Ticketek.
The Kid LAROI 48-hour artist presale starts Tuesday August 6 at 1pm local time – password FIRSTTIME
Existing ticket holders for the previously scheduled February tour will be contacted by Ticketek via email with instructions on how to redeem their tickets into the new shows. Existing ticket holders who cannot attend the new dates should contact Ticketek.
Penrith Panthers have confirmed that the club will host eight NRL home matches at CommBank Stadium in 2025.
The Panthers will embrace the world-class venue as its home during the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium.
With a seating capacity of 30,000, CommBank Stadium not only brings fans closer to the action than ever before but also boasts top-tier amenities, impeccable design, and technological innovations that redefine the standards of a world-class stadium experience.
The club will ‘Pantherise’ CommBank Stadium with its distinctive colours, themes, and enthusiastic fan culture, continuing the unparalleled atmosphere that the Panthers members and fans have created at their spiritual home.
The Panthers will ensure a seamless transition to the Western Sydney stadium, offering members premium seating options, convenient travel arrangements, and innovative additions such as member lounges and enhanced corporate offerings.
The club has also confirmed the remaining four home venues for 2025, including a historic season opener at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, as well as matches at Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex in Mudgee, Carrington Park in Bathurst, and home participation in Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium.
“We’re excited for the next chapter in the Panthers journey and thrilled to announce this partnership with Venues NSW,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said.
In 2025, the Panthers home is where we all are and it’s vital that the Panthers community rally behind Ivan Cleary’s team to ensure continued on-field success.
“2025 is set to be an exciting year for the club as we open the season in Las Vegas, before hosting a match at Magic Round, playing twice in the Central West and eight games at a world-class stadium in Western Sydney.
“CommBank Stadium offers an unparalleled rugby league experience with fans close to the action within an electrifying atmosphere, exceptional facilities, and premier corporate facilities.
“Playing at CommBank Stadium will open up substantial commercial opportunities, further cementing the Panthers’ status as a leading NRL club.”
Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather added: “We can’t wait to welcome the reigning premiers the Penrith Panthers and their fans to CommBank Stadium for the 2025 NRL season.
“This is an exciting partnership with the Panthers who will call CommBank Stadium home until they return to a brand new Penrith Stadium.”
2025 Panthers Memberships will be on sale from September.
The Subway Socceroos will face Lebanon at CommBank Stadium in Sydney as their journey towards FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues, with the Second Round Qualifier scheduled for Thursday, 21 March 2024 (8.00pm AEDT).
Tickets for this all-important match start from $20 Child, $25 Concession, $30 Adult, and $80 Family, with a Football Account Pre-Sale at 3.00pm AEDT on Wednesday, 6 December 2023 and General Public On-Sale at 3:00pm AEDT on Friday, 8 December 2023 via Ticketek.
The March FIFA Men’s International Window will see the resumption of the Second Round of qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026™, following the AFC Asian Cup™ Qatar 2023 being held throughout January and February 2024.
This fixture will be the first time the Subway Socceroos have faced Lebanon in this qualification period, following victories over Bangladesh (7-0) and Palestine (l-0) to open their campaign in November.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson expressed his excitement at the prospect of having the Subway Socceroos playing in front of home fans.
“We are thrilled to host the Subway Socceroos for this FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier at CommBank Stadium, a venue renowned for its world-class facilities,” Johnson said.
“This event not only signifies the resumption of our journey towards the FIFA World Cup but also reflects the vibrant football culture in New South Wales, thanks to the region’s high grassroots participation rates.
“We are grateful for the support of the NSW Government and Destination NSW. Their commitment has been instrumental in bringing such high-calibre fixtures and events to our shores. This partnership also reflects our shared commitment to fostering football at the community level, including the recently held National Youth Championships.
“We look forward to delivering an exceptional experience for players and fans alike,” concluded Johnson.
Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach, Graham Arnold said his players relished any opportunity to play in front of Australian fans.
“Our players are scattered across the world when playing for their clubs, the excitement they have to come together as a group and representthe nation has been a cornerstone of our success,” Arnold said.
“The opportunity to play in front of home fans and feel the energy they bring is so valuable for us, it provides a massive lift, not just in those individual moments but for the many that follow in our qualification journey.
“For the likes of Maty Ryan, Mitch Duke, Keanu Baccus and others from New South Wales, it’s important they enjoy the chance to wear the Australian jersey in their hometown in front of friends and family.
“It doesn’t matter how many times it comes about, playing in front of those who have helped you on your journey through football is such a rewarding and humbling experience, and celebrating that is an integral part of the culture we’ve built within this squad,” concluded Arnold.
During the Second Round- which doubles as direct qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2027™ in Saudi Arabia – the Subway Socceroos will play against Bangladesh, Lebanon and Palestine in a home-and away round-robin format, between November 2023 and June 2024. Should Australia finish Group Winner or Group Runners-Up, they will directly qualify for the next AFC Asian Cup.
To find out all the latest information on fixtures, results and Second Round Qualification updates please click here.
Catch the Subway Socceroos FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers on Network 70 and Paramount+.
Match Details
$1 (plus GST) from every ticket sold for this match will be donated to the CommBank Pararoos – Australia’s CP national team for male footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms from a stroke.
Football Account holders can access an exclusive pre-sale window with a 10% discount offer. To gain access to exclusive news and the pre-sale, sign up here and enable priority ticketing on your account.
Subway Socceroos v Lebanon Thursday, 21 March 2024 CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Tickets: Start from $20 Child, $25 Concession, $30 Adult, $80 Family
Football Account Pre-Sale: 3.00pm AEDT on Wednesday, 6 December 2023
General Public On-Sale: 3.00pm AEDT on Friday, 8 December 2023 via Ticketek
Australia will play Argentina in The eToro Rugby Championship Test match at CommBank Stadium on Saturday 15 July;
It will be the only rugby Test in Sydney this year as the Wallabies prepare for the Rugby World Cup later this year;
Tickets are on sale from 10am Thursday 11 May via Ticketek.
It’s the Wallabies’ only Test match in Sydney this year . . . The eToro Rugby Championship match against Argentina at CommBank Stadium on Saturday 15 July.
And tickets are on sale from 10am Thursday 11 May.
The Western Sydney Test will mark the first match on home soil for returning Wallabies Head Coach Eddie Jones.
Jones will go head-to-head against former Wallabies mentor Michael Cheika, who is now coach of Argentina who are coming off a highly successful 2022 season. The Los Pumas recorded a home series win against Scotland and victories over the Wallabies, All Blacks and England (the latter two away from home) in a stunning run of success.
Two weeks after Wallabies v Los Pumas at CommBank Stadium, the Wallabies will return to Melbourne for a Bledisloe Cup Test match. That match on 29 July will be the final game of The Rugby Championship, and the first of the two-leg Bledisloe Cup series that will culminate one week later in Dunedin.
For the Wallabies to win back the Bledisloe, they will need to win both matches.
With the Rugby World Cup in France from 8 September to 28 October, Australian rugby fans will only have these two opportunities to support their team on home soil in 2023 and cheer them on to the World Cup.
Rugby Australia President Joe Roff said: “Rugby World Cup years are always special, and we want the whole country to get behind the Wallabies as they strive for glory in France this year.
“There are only two games in Australia this year, and they represent a real opportunity to show the whole squad how much support they will have behind them back home in Australia.
“Both of these games will be huge, with Michael Cheika bringing a talented Argentina side to Sydney, and the infamous All Blacks at one of the biggest stadiums in the world.”
The eToro Rugby Championship Australia v Argentina match is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
The eToro Rugby Championship Test Australia v Argentina Saturday 15 July CommBank Stadium, Parramatta Kick-off 7:45pm (AEST)
