FOOTBALL Federation Australia has confirmed that Adelaide Oval will host the Socceroos’ crucial World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia in June.

The game will be a farewell match before the team jets off to the Confederations Cup in Russia.

SA-born Ryan McGowan - a hero of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil - is expected to be the poster boy for the match.

McGowan last week was on holidays in Adelaide with his fiancé Laura and baby boy Harry.

He last featured for the Socceroos in Adelaide this year.

Confirming the game, as predicted by The Advertiser, FFA chief executive David Gallop said he was delighted that South Australians would have another chance to back Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos on their road to Russia.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of another large crowd at Adelaide Oval. It is a magnificent theatre for sport and a fitting venue for this very important match,” he said.

Tickets for the game go on pre-sale to the Football Family with a 10 per cent discount from 4pm on Tuesday.

General public sales will open on Monday, December 5, with tickets from $35 for adults, $10 for children and $69 for families.

media_camera The Socceroos hammered Tajikistan at Adelaide Oval in March. Picture: Sarah Reed.

Fans will be hoping the Socceroos will turn it on against the Saudis as they did against Tajikistan in March.

Australia belted the visitors 7-0 in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier and the State Government vowed to bring the national team back to the oval during this current cycle.

McGowan is excited about the Adelaide match and the chance to go to the World Cup.

“As a young boy growing up in Adelaide you dream and you’re led to believe that you’re going to go to a World Cup,” he said.

“But in reality it’s very difficult to achieve.

“But I’m sure when I’m old and retired I’ll look back and appreciate it a little bit more but making the World Cup is more for family and friends, players that I played with and my teachers.

media_camera Adelaide’s Socceroo fans will be in full voice once again. Picture: Sarah Reed.

“That’s why I started playing for the first time and being from Adelaide it makes it special.”

McGowan is currently contracted to Henan Jianye of China.

The Socceroos are currently third in Group B of the Asian Football Confederation FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Australia is a point behind group leader Saudi Arabia with five matches remaining.

Australia’s next World Cup qualifier is against Iraq away on March 23.

Five days later the Socceroos hosts the UAE at the Sydney Football Stadium before the June clash at Adelaide Oval against Saudi Arabia.

The top two teams in Group B automatically qualify for the Russia World Cup while the third placed side will meet Group A’s third place in a sudden death play off.