Socceroos v Brazil LIVE updates: Brazil’s behaviour sparks debate back home; Tony Popovic’s side make first appearance since World Cup

Having spent the preceding days training in Brisbane, where they will return for the second match of this series, both teams arrived in Townsville yesterday, and were received by local dignitaries and a couple of hundred fans who came for a brief meet-and-greet session.

The Brazilians were welcomed to their hotel with a traditional smoking ceremony, which was led by Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, a group of local Aboriginal dancers and cultural performers. It took place without incident ... but the reaction of some players, who appeared to be laughing, sniggering or covering their faces during the ceremony, have triggered criticism and backlash back in Brazil.

A number of Brazilian outlets have picked up on the footage, and some of them accused the players of cultural insensitivity or disrespect. On social media, the reaction has been much harsher, with many Portuguese-speaking accounts talking of feeling ashamed or angry about the way they acted, and more embarrassing than Brazil’s infamous 7-1 defeat to Germany at the 2014 World Cup. The discussion has since been picked up by some conservative-leaning Australian accounts, dragging it into typical culture war areas.

I was there, and could definitely detect a sense of confusion and/or bemusement from the visitors, the vast majority of whom are in Australia for the first time, and would have had no idea what was in store. Footballers can be quite immature, and especially superstars of this calibre. Perhaps they should have been better briefed beforehand by the Brazilian federation on what they were about to see, how meaningful it is, and the importance of treating the moment appropriately.

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G’day from glorious, sunny, humid Townsville, where it is surely impossible to not know what’s going down tonight at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, aka The House that JT Built. It’s officially a sell-out! This might be rugby league territory, but tonight, millions of eyes will be on this place. Most of them from South America.

There are signs everywhere promoting this game, and barely a vacant hotel anywhere. In my short time here, I’ve spotted many visiting Brazilians, who’ve apparently come from all parts of Australia (and beyond) to see their beloved national team. Tonight, they are also the designated home team.

There was also Brazilian-themed street party on what I understand is this city’s main drag earlier this afternoon. It would have been great to spend a few hours there – this is, after all, perfect drinking weather – but alas, like the Socceroos, I’ve got a job to do tonight. There are about 30 accredited media representatives here from Brazil, by the way, and I can only hope they will display the same levels of professionalism.

The team news is in – but some of it, we already knew. That’s because yesterday, the great Carlo Ancelotti took the unusual step of announcing Brazil’s starting XI, warning reporters not to get used to it. It is precisely as he forecast: Hugo Souza, Matheuzinho, Marquinhos, Vitor Reis, Douglas Santos, Danilo, Bruno Guimarães, Estêvão, Raphinha, Endrick and Vinícius jnr.

Having spent the preceding days training in Brisbane, where they will return for the second match of this series, both teams arrived in Townsville yesterday, and were received by local dignitaries and a couple of hundred fans who came for a brief meet-and-greet session.

The Brazilians were welcomed to their hotel with a traditional smoking ceremony, which was led by Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, a group of local Aboriginal dancers and cultural performers. It took place without incident ... but the reaction of some players, who appeared to be laughing, sniggering or covering their faces during the ceremony, have triggered criticism and backlash back in Brazil.

A number of Brazilian outlets have picked up on the footage, and some of them accused the players of cultural insensitivity or disrespect. On social media, the reaction has been much harsher, with many Portuguese-speaking accounts talking of feeling ashamed or angry about the way they acted, and more embarrassing than Brazil’s infamous 7-1 defeat to Germany at the 2014 World Cup. The discussion has since been picked up by some conservative-leaning Australian accounts, dragging it into typical culture war areas.

I was there, and could definitely detect a sense of confusion and/or bemusement from the visitors, the vast majority of whom are in Australia for the first time, and would have had no idea what was in store. Footballers can be quite immature, and especially superstars of this calibre. Perhaps they should have been better briefed beforehand by the Brazilian federation on what they were about to see, how meaningful it is, and the importance of treating the moment appropriately.

Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of the first of two friendlies between Australia and Brazil. My name is Frances Howe and I’ll be joined by the inimitable Vince Rugari, who has found his way to Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

It’s the Socceroos’ first match back after the 2026 World Cup and if you haven’t been paying attention, a lot has happened since. But before we give you a recap – and other important news out of the teams in Townsville – here’s the most important information first: kick-off is at 8pm and the game will be shown free on Channel 10, or you can pay (if you really hate ads that much) to watch on Paramount+.