Tony Popovic's Bold Shake-Up for Socceroos Squad vs Brazil
Tony Popovic promised change. He has delivered a shake‑up.
The Socceroos coach has named seven uncapped players in a bold 26-man squad to face Brazil in two high-profile friendlies in Townsville and Brisbane later this month, swinging hard at the old guard as he accelerates towards the next cycle.
Sixteen members of the group that reached the knockout rounds at this year’s World Cup survive, including headline acts Patrick Beach, Paul Okon-Engstler, Lucas Herrington, Nestory Irankunda and Alessandro Circati – all of whom earned big European moves off the back of their exploits in Canada and the USA.
But the story of this squad is who’s missing, and who has been fast-tracked to replace them.
Ryan axed as new era bites
Mat Ryan, a four-time World Cup veteran and long-time Socceroos captain, has been left out entirely. Dropped from the starting XI during the World Cup, 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 on Friday. “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 face. St Mirren’s Jacob Chapman comes in to join Patrick Beach and Paul Izzo, with Chapman effectively stepping into Ryan’s spot.
Mat Leckie, another four-time World Cup campaigner, is also out. Depth options Cammy Devlin, Awer Mabil, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay and Ajdin Hrustic miss out as Popovic trims back experience to open a lane for youth.
Injuries have forced changes too. Jordy Bos, Cristian Volpato and Cameron Burgess, all involved at the World Cup, are unavailable.
Fresh blood, familiar ambition
Popovic flagged after the World Cup that he wanted “fresh faces” for the challenge of Brazil. The names on this list show he meant it.
Uncapped pair Kasey Bos – younger brother of Jordy – and teenager Dylan Leonard return to the fold after previous camp involvement and now step closer to full debuts. Leonard is currently on loan at Alemannia Aachen from Schalke, while Bos is with Excelsior Rotterdam on loan from Mainz 05.
On top of them, five players aged 25 or younger receive their first call-up.
- Forward Eli Adams, who swapped the Newcastle Jets for Gamba Osaka, brings sharp movement and a direct threat.
- On the right flank of defence, Queen’s Park Rangers fullback Kealey Adamson offers energy and aggression in wide areas.
- Higher up the pitch, Yaya Dukuly (Celje) and Marcus Younis (Brøndby) are added as wing options, reinforcing a clear theme: pace and one‑v‑one ability out wide.
Alex Robertson returns after a strong start to life at Cardiff City, while Riley McGree and Patrick Yazbek are back in the mix after injuries ruled them out of the World Cup.
“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.
He knows the clock is already ticking.
“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 halves of football. Not much time to sort a squad for a continental title tilt.
Brazil bring the star power
If Popovic wanted a serious test, he has one. Brazil’s squad is stacked with talent from Europe’s elite.
Real Madrid duo Vinícius Júnior and Endrick, Chelsea pair Estêvão and João Pedro, Barcelona’s Raphinha and Bournemouth forward Rayan headline a frightening attacking unit. Behind them, Bruno Guimarães (Arsenal), Douglas Luiz (Juventus) and Andrey Santos (Manchester United) anchor a midfield full of bite and creativity.
At the back, Marquinhos marshals a defence that also includes Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Vitor Reis (Manchester City) and Wesley (Roma), with Douglas Santos and Mauro Junior providing width from fullback.
For a young Socceroos group, there are no soft minutes here. Every mistake will be punished.
The fixtures – and the fight for places
Australia host Brazil twice:
- Game One – Townsville – Friday 25 September, 8pm AEST
- Game Two – Brisbane – Tuesday 29 September, 8pm AEST
By the time the final whistle blows in Brisbane, Popovic will be two games closer to naming his AFC Asian Cup 2027 squad – and two games closer to deciding how ruthless this generational handover really needs to be.
For Ryan, Leckie and the other omitted stalwarts, the door is not shut. But it’s no longer theirs by right.
Now, it belongs to the kids brave enough to take it.
