Australia squad for Brazil friendlies — Ryan, Volpato dropped; Chapman called up

Mat Ryan lost his place in the Australian side during the FIFA World Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan has been dropped from Australia’s squad for its upcoming friendlies against Brazil.

Ryan, who plays for La Liga side Levante, has started the season in fine form but lost his spot in the Australian side to Patrick Beach during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The uncapped Jacob Chapman replaces the 34-year-old, joining Beach and Paul Izzo in the 26-man squad.

Another notable absentee is Cristian Volpato, who was fined this month after testing positive for cocaine, although he is reportedly carrying a hamstring injury.

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“We have picked a squad with an eye on the Asian Cup 2027 and an eye on the future, and it’s a great opportunity for us to continue growing as a team,” said Popovic.

“We are also very excited to be playing at home for the first time since March in what are two crucial matches for us, against Brazil, the most successful team in World Cup history.

“We will only have two camps and four matches before we select our Asian Cup 2027 squad, so these matches are critical for us in preparation for our next major tournament.”

(With inputs from AFP)

Australia squad for Brazil friendlies

• Goalkeepers: Patrick Beach (Troyes/FRA), Jacob Chapman (St Mirren/SCO), Paul Izzo (Randers FC/DEN)
• Defenders: Kealey Adamson (Queens Park Rangers/ENG), Aziz Behich (Melbourne City/AUS), Kasey Bos (Excelsior Rotterdam/NED), Alessandro Circati (Benfica/POR), Milos Degenek (Apoel FC/CYP), Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata/JPN), Lucas Herrington (Hull City/ENG), Jacob Italiano (Grazer AK/AUT), Dylan Leonard (Alemannia Aachen/GER), Harry Souttar (Leicester City/ENG)
• Midfielders: Jackson Irvine (Cerezo Osaka/JPN), , Riley McGree (Middlesbrough/ENG), Connor Metcalfe (St Pauli/GER), Aiden O’Neill (New York City/USA), Paul Okon-Engstler (FC Koln/GER), Alexander Robertson (Cardiff City/WAL), Patrick Yazbek (Nashville SC/USA)
• Forwards: Eli Adams (Gamba Osaka/JPN), Yaya Dukuly (NK Celje/SLO), Nestory Irankunda (Sporting CP/POR), Mohamed Toure (Norwich City/ENG), Tete Yengi (FC Machida Zelvia/JPN), Marcus Younis (Brondby/DEN)