Australian football fans are set to gain unprecedented access to major tournament tickets through a new premium membership tier announced by Football Australia this week. The 'FA Plus' programme represents a significant shift in how supporters can engage with the national teams.
Exclusive Benefits for Dedicated Supporters
The paid membership scheme, launching in November, offers subscribers priority access to tickets for Socceroos and Matildas matches, including crucial World Cup qualifiers and the highly anticipated 2026 and 2027 World Cup tournaments. This move comes as Australia prepares to co-host the Women's Asian Cup in 2026 and potentially benefit from the expanded Men's World Cup format.
What FA Plus Members Receive
- Priority ticket purchasing windows for international matches
- Enhanced access to World Cup tickets through Football Australia's allocation
- Exclusive digital content including behind-the-scenes footage
- Special edition merchandise and member-only events
- Personalised updates directly from the national governing body
Football Australia CEO James Johnson emphasised that the programme is designed to reward the most dedicated supporters while generating crucial revenue for the sport's development. "Our research shows fans want more ways to connect with our national teams," Johnson stated.
Addressing Fan Concerns
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about ticket accessibility for major tournaments. Football Australia has assured supporters that traditional membership pathways will remain, with FA Plus serving as an optional premium tier rather than a replacement for existing programmes.
"We understand the importance of maintaining accessibility while creating new engagement opportunities," a Football Australia spokesperson confirmed.
The initiative follows similar models adopted by other national football associations worldwide and represents Football Australia's continued efforts to build sustainable revenue streams following the success of the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Looking Ahead
With pricing details scheduled for release in early November, Australian football enthusiasts are already speculating about the potential cost-benefit analysis of the new membership tier. The programme's success will likely be measured by both subscriber numbers and fan satisfaction as the Socceroos continue their World Cup qualification campaign and the Matildas build toward their next major tournament appearances.
