Australia have left captain Mathew Ryan out of their squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil. Head coach Tony Popovic named a 26-man group that signals a shift in the goalkeeping department ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup.
The 34-year-old Ryan, who has 105 caps, was the team's likely first-choice at this year's World Cup but played only in the penalty shootout of the Round of 32 loss to Egypt. Patrick Beach is among the goalkeepers called up in his place. Popovic said the selection looks towards the future.
"The team is taking the upcoming Asian Cup and the national team's further development into account when forming the squad," the coach said.
Fifteen players from the recent World Cup campaign return, including Riley McGree and Patrick Yazbek who missed the tournament through injury. Seven uncapped players are included, though Jordan Bos, Cristian Volpato and Cameron Burgess are injured and unavailable. Australia's last outing was a 1-1 draw with Egypt on July 3, a result that leaves them second in their World Cup group with four points from three games.
These matches against Brazil in Townsville on September 25 and Brisbane on September 29 are Australia's final home fixtures before the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia next January. The team will then play away friendlies against Qatar and Jordan. Australia's next test is against Brazil at home on September 25.
Background and full detail: UA.NEWS
