Fri Sep 05 09:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

Australia and New Zealand are set to reignite their rivalry in the “Soccer Ashes,” a two-friendly series kicking off in Canberra. Both teams have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but this series offers a chance to build momentum and bragging rights. New Zealand, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, is eager to break their 20-year losing streak against Australia. The Soccer Ashes trophy, steeped in history, adds extra significance to the matches, as both teams want to secure a win before the World Cup.

**News Article:**

**Soccer Ashes: Australia and New Zealand Clash in World Cup Warm-Up**

CANBERRA, Sept 4 – World Cup fever is rising as Australia and New Zealand prepare to battle for the Soccer Ashes in a two-friendly series, starting this Friday in Canberra. With both nations already qualified for the 2026 World Cup in North America, the series offers a crucial opportunity for preparation and regional dominance.

Australia, currently ranked 24th in the world, is heading to their sixth consecutive World Cup. New Zealand, meanwhile, is making a long-awaited return to the global stage, their first appearance since 2010, benefiting from the expanded 48-team format and Oceania’s guaranteed spot.

Despite the friendlies, the series carries significant weight. New Zealand hasn’t defeated Australia since 2002, a drought they are desperate to end. “We want to beat Aussie,” said New Zealand captain Chris Wood. “It’s been a long time since we have…So we want to put that right.”

The Soccer Ashes trophy itself is a unique artifact, a wooden casket containing the ashes of cigars smoked by captains from the nations’ first matches in 1923. The ashes are sealed in a razor case carried at Gallipoli in 1915. After being lost for 70 years it was revived after it was discovered in a garage.

Australia, led by coach Tony Popovic, will look to defend the trophy after claiming it in a one-off match last year. The second match of the series will be played in Auckland on Tuesday. The series serves as a vital test and a chance for both teams to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the World Cup.

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