Mat Ryan Axed From Australia Squad as Popovic Bloods Seven Uncapped Players for Brazil Friendlies

Mat Ryan has been left out of Australia's squad for the historic double-header against Brazil, with head coach Tony Popovic handing opportunities to seven uncapped players in his first squad announcement since the World Cup.

The former Socceroos captain is the headline omission from the 26-man group named for the September 25 (Townsville) and September 29 (Brisbane) friendlies, Australia's only home fixtures before the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Popovic retained 16 players from the World Cup squad but has clearly begun looking beyond several fringe options, with Cammy Devlin, Awer Mabil, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay, Mat Leckie and Ajdin Hrustic all also dropping out. Injuries to Jordy Bos, Cameron Burgess and Cristian Volpato further reshaped the squad, with Bos' younger brother Kasey Bos among the uncapped newcomers earning a call-up.

Middlesbrough's Riley McGree and Nashville SC's Patrick Yazbek both return to the fold after long-term injuries, while the friendlies against Brazil, who Australia have never previously faced, offer a rare opportunity for Popovic to blood new talent and gather intelligence ahead of Asian Cup qualification, with the matches doubling as a major box-office draw for Australian football fans.