Brazil and Australia open new era with friendly in Townsville after World Cup disappointment
Australia and Brazil play the first of two friendly matches in Townsville on Friday, marking both teams' first game since a disappointing 2026 World Cup. The second match follows on Tuesday in Brisbane.
First match since the World Cup
Australia's Socceroos host five-time world champions Brazil on Friday, September 25, at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, in the first of two friendlies — the first international match for both sides since the 2026 World Cup. The second fixture follows on Tuesday, September 29, at Suncorp Stadium (Lang Park) in Brisbane.
Both nations fell short of expectations at the World Cup. Australia lost on penalties to Egypt in the round of 32, while five-time champions Brazil were eliminated 2-1 by Norway in the round of 16 — their earliest World Cup exit since 1990 and, according to Sports Illustrated, their worst tournament performance since that year.
Line-ups and debutants
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti kept the starting XI he had promised: goalkeeper Hugo Souza, defenders Douglas Santos, Vitor Reis, Marquinhos and Matheuzinho, midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Danilo Santos, and an attack of Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Estevão and Endrick. Vitor Reis and Matheuzinho are making their debuts, and only four players remain from the side beaten by Norway.
Australia coach Tony Popovic made a bold call by leaving captain Mathew Ryan out of the squad entirely. Harry Souttar takes the armband and lines up alongside young centre-backs Alessandro Circati and Lucas Herrington. Popovic's 25-man squad includes seven uncapped players — Dylan Leonard, Marcus Younis, Kasey Bos, Kealey Adamson, Yaya Dukuly, Eli Adams and goalkeeper Jacob Chapman, currently with Scottish club St Mirren. As UA.News reports, Chapman appeared on the pitch as a five-year-old mascot before an Asian Cup qualifier against Kuwait. Striker Mohamed Toure and Alex Robertson missed out through injury, while Riley McGree and Patrick Yazbek returned to the squad.
Context in Townsville
This is the first men's A-international ever played in Townsville, a rugby league stronghold of roughly 200,000 people. Brazil's visit was secured by the Queensland government together with promoters and the Brazilian football federation, and the city is hosting a street party on Friday featuring Brazilian capoeira and jiu-jitsu demonstrations. After the Queensland matches, Brazil face India for the first time ever, on October 3 in Kolkata, followed by friendlies against Singapore and Japan in November.
