Kuwait has been confirmed as the host nation for the Socceroos’ 2026 World Cup qualifier against Palestine on November 21.

With Palestine unable to host the game due to the current situation in the region, the Asian Football Confederation requested the second-round qualifier be played at a neutral venue.

The AFC accepted a submission from the Palestine Football Association for the game to be played at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City.

Before leaving for Kuwait, the Graham Arnold-coached Socceroos will play a qualifier on Thursday week against Bangladesh at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, Melbourne City host Thai club Buriram United, also at AAMI Park, on Wednesday night in an AFC Champions League Group H match.

City sits on top of Group H with seven points from three matches, four points ahead of third-placed Buriram.

The teams met in Thailand two week ago, with City prevailing 2-0.

Since then, City have had a change of coach, with Aurelio Vidmar replacing Rado Vidosic, who was axed after the club’s poor start to the A-League season.

Vidmar guided City to its first win of its 2023-24 A-League campaign last Friday night, when the Melbourne club beating Sydney FC 2-0.

“We’re all on the same page, which is great,” Vidmar said.

“The whole group is really determined to get a win and give ourselves another forward in terms of qualifying for the round of 16,

“We have to respect the opposition, but I’m more worried about what we’re going to do.”