The Australian men’s national football team will face five-time world champions Brazil in a two-match international series across Queensland in September, marking the Socceroos’ first fixtures since the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The upcoming Queensland fixtures represent the first meeting between Australia and Brazil since their June 2017 encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Historically, the Socceroos have secured only one victory against the South American powerhouse, a 1-0 win during the 2001 Confederations Cup third-place play-off decided by Shaun Murphy’s 84th-minute strike.
Match Schedule and Broadcast Details
The two-game series kicks off on Friday, September 25, at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium. The second fixture takes place on Tuesday, September 29, at Brisbane’s Lang Park.
Kick-off for both matches is set for 8:00 pm AEST, covering Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory. Supporters in the Northern Territory and South Australia face a 7:30 pm start, while fans in Western Australia can view the action from 6:00 pm.
Network 10 will broadcast the Townsville opener on free-to-air television, alongside subscription streaming service Paramount+. The Brisbane fixture on Tuesday night will air exclusively on Paramount+. ABC Sport will also provide a live text blog for both fixtures.
Socceroos Squad Selection and Youth Call-ups
Following a Round of 32 penalty shootout defeat to Egypt in Dallas at the World Cup, head coach Tony Popovic has shifted his focus toward January’s AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Popovic named seven uncapped players in his squad: Dylan Leonard (19), Marcus Younis (21), Kasey Bos (22), Kealey Adamson (23), Yaya Dukuly (23), Eli Adams (24), and Jacob Chapman. Midfielders Riley McGree and Patrick Yazbek also return after missing the World Cup due to injury.
Hull City centre-back and Brisbane local Lucas Herrington returns to Australia following his move to the English Premier League, while Sydney FC’s Aziz Behich is the sole A-League Men representative selected.
Full Socceroos Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Patrick Beach (Troyes), Paul Izzo (Randers), Jacob Chapman (St Mirren)
- Defenders: Kealey Adamson (QPR), Aziz Behich (Melbourne City), Alessandro Circati (S.L.
Notable Absences and Injury Blows
Popovic’s preparations suffered setbacks due to recent injuries affecting Mohamed Touré and Alexander Robertson. Touré sustained a shoulder injury during a strong run of form with Norwich in the Championship, which could result in a lengthy absence. Cardiff reportedly chose to rest Robertson following a heavy early-season workload.
Several other World Cup squad members were omitted, including Cammy Devlin, Awer Mabil, Kai Trewin, Leckie, and Ajdin Hrustić. Long-term injuries sideline Cameron Burgess and Jordan Bos, while Cristian Volpato missed selection due to a hamstring strain. Goalkeeper Mat Ryan was also left out despite regular appearances for Levante in La Liga, though Popovic insisted Ryan’s international career remains active.
Brazil Team Outlook
Brazil arrives under the direction of coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose selection choices faced heavy scrutiny following the Seleção’s Round of 16 exit at the World Cup. Ancelotti previously stated an intention to pick players based on current form rather than reputation, though he ultimately selected Neymar for the tournament in the United States.
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