Well agruably the 2 windows later this year might be the perfect balance, if we are going to be restricted to friendlies only for the next 3 odd years.
Reading AV's post above sounds like 2-3 tough games somewhere overseas in the expanded Sept-Oct window, and then for the Nov window hosting minnows India for 2 games in NZ. One of those at sparkling new Te Kaha to help generate some excitement.
Peru and Australia are rumoured to be playing in Japan (Kirin Cup) in Sept-Oct.
Could we be invited as the 4th team? A likely very handy time slot to watch the AWs in.
The Blue Samurai are down to play 4 games in that window.
https://www.chosun.com/english/sports-en/2026/07/22/3HQFEDOHUBE7RBAXEWPRZNYTFM/
However the Socceroos are playing Brazil (25th & 29th Sept) in Queensland, so that article might have a few flaws. There are strong diplomatic/trade ties between Japan & Peru though, so wouldn't surprise at all if they were involved. They are frequent visitors to Nippon, and only Japan have won the Kirin Cup more than them.
Fingers crossed we get an invite.
Reading AV's post above sounds like 2-3 tough games somewhere overseas in the expanded Sept-Oct window, and then for the Nov window hosting minnows India for 2 games in NZ. One of those at sparkling new Te Kaha to help generate some excitement.
Peru and Australia are rumoured to be playing in Japan (Kirin Cup) in Sept-Oct.
Could we be invited as the 4th team? A likely very handy time slot to watch the AWs in.
The Blue Samurai are down to play 4 games in that window.
https://www.chosun.com/english/sports-en/2026/07/22/3HQFEDOHUBE7RBAXEWPRZNYTFM/
However the Socceroos are playing Brazil (25th & 29th Sept) in Queensland, so that article might have a few flaws. There are strong diplomatic/trade ties between Japan & Peru though, so wouldn't surprise at all if they were involved. They are frequent visitors to Nippon, and only Japan have won the Kirin Cup more than them.
Fingers crossed we get an invite.