Tony Popovic Names Bold Socceroos Squad for Brazil Matches

Tony Popovic promised change. He has delivered a shake-up.

The Socceroos boss has named a bold 26-man squad to face Brazil in Townsville and Brisbane later this month, with seven uncapped players and some of the biggest names in recent Australian football history left at home.

Sixteen members of the group that reached the knockout rounds at this year’s World Cup keep their spots – including Patrick Beach, Paul Okon-Engstler, Lucas Herrington, Nestory Irankunda and Alessandro Circati, all of whom earned major European moves off the back of their performances in Canada and the USA.

But sentiment has not survived the World Cup glow.

Ryan axed as new guard steps in

Mat Ryan, a four-time World Cup veteran and long-time captaincy figure, has been cut altogether. Dropped from the starting XI during the tournament, he now finds himself out of the squad 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 news, 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.”

Jacob Chapman of St Mirren comes in to compete with Beach and Paul Izzo, the latest to be handed a shot in goal as Popovic keeps turning over stones.

Ryan is not alone among the old guard. Fellow four-time World Cupper Mat Leckie has also been left out, as have depth options Cammy Devlin, Awer Mabil, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay and Ajdin Hrustic.

Injury has bitten too. Jordy Bos, Cristian Volpato and Cameron Burgess, all involved at the World Cup, are unavailable.

New blood and familiar returns

The door has swung open for a wave of fresh faces.

Uncapped duo Kasey Bos – younger brother of Jordy – and teenager Dylan Leonard return to the fold after previous camp involvement. Leonard is currently on loan at Alemannia Aachen from Schalke, while Bos is at Excelsior Rotterdam on loan from Mainz 05.

On top of them, five players aged 25 or under have earned first Socceroos call-ups.

Forward Eli Adams, recently transferred from Newcastle Jets to Gamba Osaka, and Queen’s Park Rangers right back Kealey Adamson headline that group as two of the more eye-catching prospects.

On the flanks, Yaya Dukuly of Celje and Brøndby’s Marcus Younis add extra width and pace, while Mohamed Toure and Tete Yengi bolster the attacking options alongside Irankunda.

There is some good news on the injury front. Riley McGree and Patrick Yazbek return after missing the World Cup through fitness issues, and Alex Robertson is back on the strength of his form with Cardiff City.

Popovic looks to Brazil – and beyond

Popovic has been clear since his first post-World Cup press conference: Brazil at home would mark the start of a new phase.

“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,” he said in a statement.

The opponent is as big as they come. Brazil, the most successful nation in World Cup history, will bring a squad packed with European-based stars, from Vinícius Júnior and Endrick to Raphinha and Gabriel Magalhães.

“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.”

Two games, four days, one giant measuring stick.

Townsville hosts the opener on Friday 25 September at 8pm AEST, before the sides head to Brisbane for game two on Tuesday 29 September, also at 8pm AEST.

By the end of that week, Popovic will know a lot more about who belongs in the next era of the Socceroos – and who has just played their last hand.