Mat Ryan dropped from Australia squad for Brazil friendlies
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 1:19 AM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
Mat Ryan, veteran goalkeeper and captain of Australia, has been omitted from the national squad for upcoming friendlies against Brazil, taking place on September 25 and September 29. Coach Tony Popovic made the decision to leave out 10 players from the World Cup squad, including striker Cristian Volpato, who faces injuries and disciplinary issues. Ryan, who plays for Levante in La Liga, has been replaced by uncapped goalkeeper Jacob Chapman. The squad selection aims to prepare for the Asian Cup 2027, with Popovic highlighting the importance of these matches in developing the team. The friendlies will mark Australia's first home games since March.
- •Ryan was dropped alongside nine other World Cup squad members.
- •Volpato, fined for testing positive for cocaine, is also absent.
- •Jacob Chapman replaces Ryan in the 26-man squad.
- •Matches against Brazil will occur in Townsville and Brisbane.
- •Seven potential debutants are included in the squad.
- 1:19 AMThe Guardian Sport — Socceroos captain Maty Ryan axed for Brazil friendlies
- 1:06 AMYahoo Sports — Captain Mat Ryan axed from Socceroos squad for Brazil games
"Goalkeeper dropped despite strong start to La Liga season Seven uncapped players called into 26-man Australia squad Captain Maty Ryan has been left out of the Socceroos squad altogether for upcoming games against Brazil, while coach Tony Popovic has called up seven uncapped players for Australia’s first matches since the World Cup. Ryan lost his starting spot to young goalkeeper Patrick Beach at the World Cup, then was bizarrely substituted on for the round-of-32 penalty shootout against Egypt. Continue reading...
"Veteran goalkeeper and captain Mat Ryan was axed Friday as Australia coach Tony Popovic omitted 10 members of his World Cup squad for two friendlies against Brazil.Levante goalkeeper Ryan, who has made a strong start to the La Liga season, lost his place to Patrick Beach during the World Cup.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportSep 18, 2026, 1:19 AMSocceroos captain Maty Ryan axed for Brazil friendlies
Goalkeeper dropped despite strong start to La Liga season Seven uncapped players called into 26-man Australia squad Captain Maty Ryan has been left out of the Socceroos squad altogether for upcoming games against Brazil, while coach Tony Popovic has called up seven uncapped players for Australia’s first matches since the World Cup. Ryan lost his starting spot to young goalkeeper Patrick Beach at the World Cup, then was bizarrely substituted on for the round-of-32 penalty shootout against Egypt. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsSep 18, 2026, 1:06 AMCaptain Mat Ryan axed from Socceroos squad for Brazil games
Veteran goalkeeper and captain Mat Ryan was axed Friday as Australia coach Tony Popovic omitted 10 members of his World Cup squad for two friendlies against Brazil.Levante goalkeeper Ryan, who has made a strong start to the La Liga season, lost his place to Patrick Beach during the World Cup.
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