Doha (GNP): Australia’s upcoming international football friendly against Jordan has been moved from Amman to Doha, Qatar, following security concerns surrounding the original venue. Football Australia confirmed the change on Friday, November 13, 2026, explaining that the decision was made after discussions about the safety of players and staff.
The match was originally scheduled to take place in Amman on Tuesday, November 17. However, growing regional security concerns prompted officials to reconsider the arrangements before the Australian team travelled to Jordan.
The relocation follows a request from Australia’s professional footballers, who had overwhelmingly expressed their preference for moving the match to another location. Jordan’s football authorities agreed to the change, allowing the fixture to remain part of the international schedule.
The decision highlights how developments outside football can influence international competitions and force teams to reconsider their travel and preparation plans.
Why Was the Australia vs Jordan Match Moved?
Security concerns across the Middle East were the main reason behind the relocation. Australia had initially planned to travel to Jordan after playing Qatar in Doha on Friday.
However, the situation in the region raised questions about whether Amman was an appropriate location for the upcoming fixture.
Professional Footballers Australia had previously stated that players overwhelmingly wanted the match moved. Their concerns were considered during discussions involving Football Australia and the Jordan Football Association.
Football Australia chief executive Martin Kugeler thanked Jordan’s football authorities for their cooperation and flexibility. He also acknowledged that Jordanian supporters and the national team had been looking forward to hosting the Socceroos in Amman.
Both football associations worked together to find an alternative venue rather than cancelling the match altogether.
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Jordan Also Cancels Friendly Against Indonesia
Australia’s decision comes after another international football fixture involving Jordan was cancelled.
Jordan had recently cancelled its planned friendly against Indonesia following a request from the Indonesian Football Association.
These developments demonstrate how regional security conditions are affecting international football arrangements, including matches involving national teams preparing for upcoming competitions.
Jordan has also experienced security-related incidents in recent weeks. The country conducted airstrikes against suspected Islamic State militants in neighbouring Syria following a deadly attack on a church. A separate stabbing incident in Amman also killed a security officer and injured another person.
Although Jordan remains an important regional football destination, these developments have contributed to concerns surrounding international sporting events.
Australia Continues its Preparation for the Asian Cup
The friendly against Jordan is part of Australia’s preparation programme for the upcoming Asian Cup.
The Socceroos are using international fixtures to evaluate players, improve team coordination and prepare for future competitive challenges.
Australia was scheduled to face Qatar in Doha on Friday before travelling to Jordan for the second friendly. With the Jordan match now relocated to the same city, the team will avoid the previously planned trip to Amman.
The Asian Cup itself has also faced scheduling changes. The competition was postponed until December 2027 following security developments affecting its original host country, Saudi Arabia.
The postponement has affected preparation plans for participating national teams, making international friendlies an important opportunity to maintain competitive readiness.
Football Australia Thanks Jordan for its Cooperation
Following confirmation of the venue change, Football Australia expressed appreciation for the Jordan Football Association’s response.
Kugeler described discussions between the two organisations as open, respectful and collaborative. He also expressed interest in welcoming the Jordanian national team to Australia in the future.
The cooperation allowed both sides to preserve the scheduled fixture despite the security-related concerns.
For Jordan, the change means losing the opportunity to host the Socceroos in front of home supporters. For Australia, it provides an alternative arrangement that addresses the concerns raised by its players.
What Happens Next?
Australia and Jordan are expected to meet in Doha on November 17, with both teams continuing their preparations for upcoming international competitions.
The relocation demonstrates the importance of player safety when organising international sporting events. It also highlights how football associations must remain flexible when unexpected circumstances affect travel and match arrangements.
While the fixture remains on the schedule, attention will now turn to the teams’ performances on the pitch and their preparations for future Asian football competitions.
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