The franchise bid is facing its most critical test yet this week with the Socceroos in town to take on Kuwait in the Asian Cup qualifer at Canberra Stadium on Thursday night.

While qualifying points are at stake on the pitch, there is just as much at stake off it as Canberra attempts to show the FFA that it can generate sufficient support for top flight domestic football.

A poor turnout would seriously damage hopes of securing A-League football but bid leader Ivan Slavich is hugely encouraged by the way the ACT has embraced the fixture.

He told au.fourfourtwo.com today: "Football Federation Australia have indicated to us in no uncertain terms that this is a big test for us.

"But 17,000 tickets have already been sold and I'm very hopeful that with walk up sales we could be looking at a full house at Canberra Stadium.

"The previous record for a Socceroos game in Canberra was just over 15,000 so we are already past that.

"I think it is wonderful that we have an A-League team of Socceroos for this fixture as we are trying to bring A-League football to Canberra.

"We are meeting with the FFA after the game and will put another presentation to them. Hopefully after a good win of course."

Slavich and his team have travelled far and wide to generate support for the game and stress its importance to the ACT's hopes of joining the A-League.

Team members will be on hand to secure further pledge signatures at the gates tomorrow with 15,000 already secured.

Slavich hopes the match will whet appetites for further top quality action in Canberra and fans can help bring that a step closer by packing the ground to bursting point.

He said: "To anyone thinking about whether to come to the game, it's a rare opportunity to see the Socceroos here.

"Hopefully it will leave them wanting more top football and we want to see that happen through an A-League team here. A full stadium can only help in that regard."

A decision on further expansion of the competition is expected midway through this year. South Coast, Western Sydney and Tasmania are among the others hoping to join the A-League party.