Overview
- Tony Popovic left veteran goalkeeper and former captain Mat Ryan out of the 26‑man squad announced for home friendlies with Brazil, signalling a shift in personnel choices for the post‑World Cup era.
- Patrick Beach retains the No.1 role and is joined in the squad by Paul Izzo and first‑time call‑up Jacob Chapman as Australia moves on from Ryan’s World Cup demotion.
- Seven uncapped players were included, with Eli Adams, Kealey Adamson, Yaya Dukuly, Marcus Younis, Kasey Bos, Dylan Leonard and Jacob Chapman among those given maiden call‑ups to accelerate squad renewal.
- Cristian Volpato is unavailable because of a hamstring issue and is contesting a fine after a July roadside drug test; Jordan Bos and Cameron Burgess are also out due to injury.
- Popovic, who signed an extension through the Asian Cup, has only two camps and four matches to finalise his tournament pool which raises the stakes for the Brazil friendlies on September 25 in Townsville and September 29 in Brisbane.