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AAP
AAP
Anna Harrington

Socceroos lock in Sth American opponents for WC prep

The Socceroos will be heading back to the US next month after lining up two key friendlies. (Mick Tsiak/AAP PHOTOS)

The Socceroos will take on world No.13 Colombia and Venezuela in important friendly matches to ramp up their World Cup preparation.

Australia will return to the United States for the friendlies against Venezuela on November 15 (AEDT) in Houston, Texas then Colombia in Queens, New York on November 19 (AEDT) - two of the host cities for next year's finals.

The Socceroos slot into spots in the friendlies left vacant by Nigeria, who had to pull out of the two matches as they have World Cup playoffs in Morocco at the same time.

Colombia have also qualified for the World Cup while world No.50 Venezuela missed out.

The games follow the Socceroos beating Canada 1-0 in Montreal then losing 2-1 to the United States in Denver earlier this month.

"This is another great opportunity to gain first-hand experience in a FIFA World Cup 2026 host nation, following our trip to Canada and the United States in October," coach Tony Popovic said in a statement.

"Once again, it's a great chance to test ourselves against two quality South American opponents and expose the team to different styles of play.

"After this camp, there will only be one more FIFA international window in March before the World Cup squad is selected, so every camp and every match is crucial."

It is the last window before the draw for next year's finals on December 5.

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Tony Popovic welcomes the chance to play more games in the World Cup host nation USA. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Every match before the draw can have an impact on how the Socceroos' World Cup group shakes out.

Australia are currently in Pot 3 of qualifying but strong results could help them leap into Pot 2.

If they maintain that spot until the draw, they will have opponents from the top-ranked Pot 1, plus Pots 3 and 4, theoretically making for a less difficult group stage than if they landed in Pot 3.

Coach Tony Popovic's staff would also likely use their time in America to continue scouting potential bases for their World Cup lead-in, depending on where they are drawn.

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