Socceroos Announce Bold Squad Changes Ahead of Brazil Friendlies

Tony Popovic promised change. He has delivered it with a thud.

The Socceroos boss has named a bold 26-man squad to face Brazil in friendlies in Townsville and Brisbane later this month, swinging hard at the old guard and throwing the door open to a new generation. Seven uncapped players are in. Some of the biggest names of the last decade are out.

Sixteen members of the World Cup squad that reached the knockout rounds survive, including rising European exports Patrick Beach, Paul Okon-Engstler, Lucas Herrington, Nestory Irankunda and Alessandro Circati. They form the spine of a group that suddenly looks younger, faster and far more ruthless in its selection calls.

Ryan axed as Chapman steps in

The headline omission is unmistakable. Mat Ryan, a four-time World Cup veteran and long-time No.1, has been left out altogether despite regular minutes in La Liga with Levante.

“We know what Maty Ryan is to Australian football and a player that has had a distinguished career - continues to have one, over 100 caps,” Popovic told reporters in Brisbane. “We’d like to have a look at another keeper. We’ve given a lot of keepers opportunity since we’ve been in charge.”

Asked how Ryan took the decision, Popovic was blunt but respectful.

“No, he’s good. The ultimate professional that he is, that’s why he’s had such a distinguished career. He’s still available for us and he’s certainly not out of the picture moving forward.”

For now, though, the gloves pass to a new mix. Beach keeps his spot, while St Mirren’s Jacob Chapman comes in to compete alongside Paul Izzo of Randers FC.

Leckie out, kids in

Ryan is not alone. Fellow four-time World Cupper Mat Leckie also misses out, part of a wider cull that sees Cammy Devlin, Awer Mabil, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay and Ajdin Hrustic all left at club level.

Injury has forced more change. Jordy Bos, Cristian Volpato and Cameron Burgess, all involved in the World Cup campaign, are sidelined and unavailable.

The response from Popovic is clear: promote, promote, promote.

Uncapped defender Kasey Bos, younger brother of Jordy and currently at Excelsior Rotterdam on loan from Mainz 05, returns after previous camp involvement. So does teenager Dylan Leonard, on loan at Alemannia Aachen from Schalke, who has also been part of earlier national team setups.

On top of that, five players aged 25 or under receive their first senior call-ups. Gamba Osaka forward Eli Adams, fresh from a move from the Newcastle Jets, and Queen’s Park Rangers right back Kealey Adamson headline that group as genuine long-term prospects. On the flanks, Yaya Dukuly of Celje and Brøndby winger Marcus Younis add depth and pace.

Midfield reinforcements and a Cardiff spark

The midfield gains some much-needed familiarity. Riley McGree and Patrick Yazbek both return after missing the World Cup through injury, while Alex Robertson is back on the strength of his form with Cardiff City.

They join a core that includes Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill and Okon-Engstler, giving Popovic a blend of bite, balance and creativity for two of the most demanding friendlies on the calendar.

“We are looking forward to coming together for the first time since the FIFA World Cup 2026. We have picked a squad with an eye on the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and an eye on the future, and it’s a great opportunity for us to continue growing as a team,” Popovic said in a statement.

“We are also very excited to be playing at home for the first time since March in what are two crucial matches for us, against Brazil, the most successful team in FIFA World Cup history.

“We will only have two camps and four matches before we select our AFC Asian Cup 2027 squad, so these matches are critical for us in preparation for our next major tournament.”

Brazil bring the star power

If Popovic wanted a measuring stick, he has picked the hardest one. Brazil are coming with a squad stacked with elite talent and frightening pace.

Real Madrid pair Vinícius Júnior and Endrick headline a forward line that also includes Barcelona’s Raphinha, Chelsea duo Estêvão and João Pedro, and Bournemouth’s Rayan. Flamengo forwards Pedro and Samuel Lino add firepower from home soil.

Behind them, Bruno Guimarães (listed with Arsenal), Douglas Luiz of Juventus and Manchester United’s Andrey Santos give the Seleção a powerful, technical midfield. At the back, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Manchester City defender Vitor Reis anchor a defensive unit that mixes European experience with domestic form.

Two games, four days, one brutal examination.

Fixtures locked in

The Socceroos host Brazil in Townsville on Friday 25 September at 8pm AEST, before the sides meet again in Brisbane on Tuesday 29 September, also at 8pm AEST.

By the end of that second night, Australia will know far more about whether this new-look squad is ready to chase Asia’s crown in 2027 – or if Popovic’s reset has only just begun.