The ACT government will need to pay up to $1 million to secure a Socceroos game but want assurances of community involvement from Football Federation Australia before signing off on the deal.
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Fairfax Media understands the FFA is asking for close to a seven-figure sum from state and territory governments for one of the three remaining games in the first stage of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
The government has already declined an approach from two A-League clubs for Canberra to host a regular game next season, negotiations breaking down on a price believed to be $80,000.
The Socceroos are a valuable commodity after winning the Asian Cup, but the ACT government doesn't want a repeat of the last time they played in Canberra in 2011.
A disappointing crowd of just over 10,000 saw an under-strength Socceroos beat Malaysia 5-0. The Socceroos arrived only on the day of the game, the FFA preferring to base the national team in Sydney.
In an emailed response to questions from Fairfax Media, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the government would want greater interaction between the Socceroos and the community to ensure the fixture was promoted properly.
"I would hope any contract entered into with the Socceroos would need to include an opportunity for the Socceroos to engage with local fans and the Canberra community," Barr said.
"I want Canberrans to experience all the benefits of world-class sport, including the opportunity to interact with the players."
The Central Coast Mariners and the Newcastle Jets had been talking to the ACT government about bringing a game to Canberra Stadium next season but the parties couldn't agree on financial compensation, with concerns about low crowds.
The Mariners attracted average crowds of just over 5000 for their two games in Canberra in 2009.
Since then, the focus has been on attracting A-League teams to Canberra for pre-season friendlies with National Premier League clubs to minimise the financial risk.
The ACT government paid $3.5 million to be involved in the Asian Cup, but is set to receive close to $1 million in profits from the tournament, which will be re-invested into grassroots football.
Barr said it was too early to say how much would be spent on securing a Socceroos game.
"It is yet to be determined what, if any, ACT government contribution would be required on top of the usual hire arrangements for Canberra Stadium," he said.
"The ACT government would need to undertake a cost benefit analysis to make sure we are getting the best value for money with the maximum benefits to our economy.
"Major sporting events will continue to be an important cornerstone of our tourism and marketing, and any opportunity to highlight our city to an international market is welcomed."
