Socceroos reunite for Brazil friendlies ahead of AFC Asian Cup
Australia have reunited after their 2026 World Cup last-32 exit, with Brazil arriving for two home friendlies that launch the Socceroos’ build-up to January’s AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Australia v Brazil fixtures
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Australia v Brazil | Friday | Townsville |
| Australia v Brazil | Next Tuesday | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane |
| AFC Asian Cup | January | Saudi Arabia |
The two matches against the five-time world champions are Australia’s first gathering since July’s World Cup elimination. They offer the coaching staff an immediate high-level test as preparations accelerate for the continental tournament.
Midfielder Jackson Irvine has called on the group to avoid standing still after a World Cup campaign that produced encouraging moments. The experienced Socceroo said the message in the opening day of camp was clear: Australia must improve again.
“We achieved some great things at the World Cup, but another tournament is ahead of us and, if we are going to develop, we have to keep moving forward,” Irvine said. “That has been the focus even in our first 24 hours in camp. We have to make the next step.”
Irvine also sees the new arrivals as a valuable chance to assess the squad’s options before the Asian Cup.
Nestory Irankunda, meanwhile, believes Australia’s younger generation is ready to make a growing impact. The 20-year-old winger has recently joined Sporting CP from Watford and is targeting a bigger role in the national team.
He is part of a youthful group that includes teenagers Lucas Herrington and Dylan Leonard, as well as Alessandro Circati, Patrick Beach, Paul Okon-Engstler, Kasey Bos and Marcus Younis.
Australia will use the Brazil double-header to blend those emerging players into the set-up while improving their tactical work against elite opponents. The first task comes in Townsville on Friday, where the Socceroos will seek a strong home performance before the Brisbane rematch next week.
