Soccer Ashes


The Soccer Ashes is an association football trophy contested by Australia and New Zealand. It was initially held between the 1920s and 1950s before the trophy was lost. The trophy was found in 2023, and a renewal was held in London in October.

History

The concept of awarding a trophy made of ashes was inspired by the Ashes urn awarded to the winner of series between Australia and England in cricket.
The Soccer Ashes were created in 1923 after New Zealand had defeated Australia in the inaugural series in 1922. The ashes consisted of the remains of cigars smoked by the two captains, Alec Gibb and George Campbell, after the first match between the two teams on Australian soil in June 1923. The ashes were encased in a razor case used by Australian soldier, William Fisher during the Gallipoli campaign during World War I. Fisher was also the secretary of the Queensland Football Association. The case was then set in a box made of wood from both countries.
The whereabouts of the trophy were not known from the mid-1950s until it was found in 2023 at the estate of former Australian Soccer Football Association chairman Sydney Storey by his grandchildren. Upon the recovery of the trophy, the first edition of the match since 1954 was scheduled for October. It was played in London, with Australia winning the series.
The All Whites and Socceroos played a two-match series in September 2025. Australia won the first match 1–0 in Canberra and the second match 3–1 in Auckland, thereby securing the Soccer Ashes trophy.

Editions

1922

''New Zealand won 2−1–0 on series.''

1923

''New Zealand won 2−0–1 on series.''

1933

''Australia won 3−0–0 on series.''

1936

''Australia won 3−0–0 on series.''

1948

''Australia won 3−0–0 on series.''

1954

''Australia won 2−0–1 on series.''

2023


2025

''Australia won 4–1 on aggregate.''

Performances

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Matches played wins winsDraws
211551

Series played wins winsDraws
8620