The CommBank Socceroos take on Brazil in Brisbane on Tuesday evening after a promising performance in Game One on Friday evening.
The group have a chance to continue their momentum from a 1-1 draw where they consistently took it to the World No.6 side across 90 minutes.
A massive crowd is expected at Suncorp Stadium for the big clash.
The Squad
Head Coach Tony Popovic confirmed that all members of the 25-player squad will be available for game two.
Marcus Younis debuted in Townsville, and there are still six players who could be in line to make their first appearances for the national team on Tuesday.
"It's clearly a young squad as it is, and these boys that have come in are getting a fantastic experience of what it takes to be with the Socceroos and the training environment, also the culture that the boys have created here," Head Coach Tony Popovic said.
"They're adapting well. It's different. It's new. It's special for them, and it's what we want to see in these young boys, and we'll see how we go on Tuesday, whether they play or not."
Last Game
The teams drew 1-1 in Townsville. A stunning Nestory Irankunda free-kick gave Australia the lead in the second half against Brazil, but an equaliser in the final minutes of the match denied the side a huge victory.
Popovic said that he and the team were content with the performance overall.
"We are pleased with how we played, but disappointed that we conceded so late off a set play," he summarised.
"We got what we expected from Brazil. They're very dangerous, top quality players, and I'm sure that they can lift again and put in a better performance.
"I feel that we will have to be better than what we were to be able to get a result in the next match, and that's taking nothing away from what we did. It was a very good performance, but we should also look to see what areas we can improve in, and it's all the little details that make the difference. A little detail at the end cost us a famous victory."
The Opponent
Brazil are expected to make a number of changes for game two as legendary Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti looks for an improved performance from his side.
"I know the players certainly would have found that difficult to play physically, and you have to be at your very best to compete with Brazil. Now we've got to try and back it up. So, great test and something we're looking forward to," Popovic said.
Veteran Aziz Behich said that the team was prepared for any backlash from top quality opponents.
"We trusted each other and we just took the game on. And I think when you do that against an opponent like that, you earn their respect," Behich said.
FIFA World Rankings
Australia: 28
Brazil: 6
Head-to-head
Played: 12
Wins: 1
Draws: 3
Losses: 8
Form Guide
Australia form guide: D-D-W-L-D
Brazil form guide: D-D-W-W-W
What They Said
Tony Popovic
We've clearly seen a difference in the players' demeanour since the World Cup, which we knew would happen. It's why we exposed such a young squad to the World Cup. That you can only gain from the actual experience going through it yourself. The players went through it. They saw that they can compete with the very best at the World Cup. They experienced it. They went through it, and then after that, they feel okay. We have created a certain level that we know we can compete with, and now can we evolve and get better? Whether that's personally, collectively, so we're trying to do both at the same time.
We wanted them to play being confident on the ball. We wanted them to be confident in in their press at the right times, being aggressive, and I think there was a little bit more continuity because that that backline played together at the World Cup, so it's not a new backline. It was new in the World Cup, and now it's starting to get some continuity together. So there is a good understanding, and against Brazil, you're challenged, and if you can get through certain situations, well, then it can open the pitch up for you. The execution is getting better because we are getting better technically as well, so collectively there are improvements, and we'll keep working to try and maintain that growth.
Aziz Behich
There were a lot of positives from the game [in Townsville], but the challenge is we've set the bar high for ourselves as a playing group. You know, it was good the other night, but we need to be better.
Townsville was great. I hadn't been back there for about 15 years, when the Fury were in the league. So, the atmosphere was great. The buzz around the town was awesome for us. Weactually spoke about that with the players, we haven't had that for a long time. It was great to get out there. The atmosphere made the game so much better. So we're looking forward to see what Suncorp has to bring.
Match Details
Match 2: CommBank Socceroos v Brazil
Date: Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Time: 8:00pm Local
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Broadcast: Paramount+
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