CANBERRA threatens to grab a Socceroos’ World Cup qualifier ahead of Brisbane unless the Queensland government comes to the party in the intense bidding war.

Australia will play home games against Japan, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Thailand in the third round of AFC qualifying for Russia 2018.

The Courier-Mail has learnt that Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth are in the box seat to each host one of the five games.

media_camera Tim Cahill sends the Suncorp crowd into raptures during last year’s 2015 Asian Cup quarter-final. Picture: Darren England.

That leaves one remaining game up for grabs, with Canberra making a bold bid for hosting rights ahead of Brisbane.

Football Federation Australia is still waiting for the Queensland government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, to bid for a qualifier.

The last time a World Cup qualifier was held in Brisbane was on June 12, 2012 when the Socceroos drew 1-1 with Japan in front a crowd of 40,189 at Suncorp Stadium.

The same venue also hosted two Socceroos’ games at last year’s Asian Cup, attracting an aggregate attendance of 94,580.

The Australia-Japan clash on October 11 is the most appealing and the most expensive of the upcoming qualifiers, with bids expected to reach $2 million.

It is understood that game will be played in Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide, with the respective state governments eagerly bidding for hosting rights.

“A decision is imminent and will be based on several factors, not least the undertakings in relation to pitch conditions, logistics and marketing,” and FFA statement said.

An announcement on which city will host the Australia-Iraq qualifier on September 1 will also be made soon. It is almost certain that game will not be played at Suncorp Stadium.

The Socceroos’ remaining three home qualifiers will be played next year on March 28 (v UAE), June 8 (v Saudi Arabia) and September 5 (v Thailand).

If TEQ does make a successful bid, Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou will demand a better Suncorp Stadium playing surface than what was presented during last year’s Asian Cup.

TEQ corporate affairs general manager Megan Saunders repeated her stance that Brisbane deserved to host a qualifier and that she expected FFA to allow Queensland fans the chance to wish the Socceroos well before the World Cup.