Australia were denied a famous victory against Brazil after Rayan scored a last-minute header to earn Carlo Ancelotti’s side an underwhelming 1-1 draw with the Socceroos in Queensland.
The Socceroos came into the match on the back of an impressive World Cup which saw them reach the knockout rounds before losing a penalty shootout to Egypt. The confidence of that tournament spread into this match as Tony Popovic’s side took the game to the Selecao in the first half.
Australia’s Nestory Irankunda, Conner Metcalfe and Aziz Behich were all good value in taking on their Brazilian opposition, but the hosts lacked quality in the final third. They almost came to rue their missed chances as Estevao scored the first goal only for it to be ruled out by VAR for a foul in the build-up.
As the second half progressed, Douglas Luiz was introduced off the bench and fouled Paul Okon-Engstler resulting in a free kick which Irankunda drilled into the top corner past Hugo Souza.
Yet despite a resolute defensive performance following the opening goal, Australia were undone in the last minute of the match as Raphinha’s corner found Rayan who headed home the equaliser to end the thrilling contest on level terms.
Follow all the reaction from Australia v Brazil below:
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Australia vs Brazil live updates
- Brazil drew 1-1 with Australia in their first match since World Cup
- Carlo Ancelotti only selected nine players from World Cup roster
- 90+5' GOAL! Rayan heads in dramatic late equaliser (AUS 1-1 BRA)
- 68' GOAL! Irankunda fires Australia into lead (AUS 1-0 BRA)
- 45' NO GOAL! Estevao scores but goal ruled out by VAR (AUS 0-0 BRA)
Irvine gives reaction
13:38 , Mike JonesJackson Irvine’s post match reaction:
“So much to be proud of the performance and pleased with all fantastic fans here. It’s our first time here for a lot of us here. It’s been a really brilliant few days. A great reception, brilliant turnout tonight, great atmosphere. So first of all, that makes it a brilliant spectacle.
“But the performance was top class, playing one of the best in the world, some the best players the world. You know there’s going to be tough moments. We got an amazing goal. We created a lot of chances, getting into the final third, getting a lot of corners crosses, maybe didn’t create loads of clean-cut chances, but spent a lot of time in there and obviously just took a goal from a set piece as well. So much to be happy with.
“We know the ability [Irankunda] has, especially from those kinds of positions. There was one in the first half he’s doing it at full speed, dribbling. He’s got an absolute rocket of a right foot, an amazing goal. Beautiful moment for him, it’s a shame it wasn’t the winner.”
Australia denied victory with last-gasp equaliser for Brazil
13:15 , Mike JonesAustralia almost pulled off an incredible win as they drew 1-1 with Brazil in the first of two international friendlies being played in Queensland.
The Socceroos came into the match on the back of an impressive World Cup which saw them reach the knockout rounds before losing a penalty shootout to Egypt. The confidence of that tournament spread into this match as Tony Popovic’s side took the game to the Selecao in the first half.
Australia’s Nestory Irankunda, Conner Metcalfe and Aziz Behich were all good value in taking on their Brazilian opposition, but the hosts lacked quality in the final third. They almost came to rue their missed chances as Estevao scored the first goal only for it to be ruled out by VAR for a foul in the build-up.
As the second half progressed, Douglas Luiz was introduced off the bench and fouled Paul Okon-Engstler resulting in a free kick which Irankunda drilled into the top corner past Hugo Souza.
Yet despite a resolute defensive performance following the opening goal, Australia were undone in the last minute of the match as Raphinha’s corner found Rayan who headed home the equaliser to end the thrilling contest on level terms.
Full-time! Australia 1-1 Brazil
13:12 , Mike JonesThe whistle goes to end a thrilling contest.
Australia were so close to securing a famous victory over the Selecao but a last minute goal from substitute Rayan has ended there hopes for a win.
What a game.
GOAL! Australia 1-1 Brazil (Rayan, 90+5')
13:11 , Mike JonesHeartbreak for Australia!
A last-ditch corner for Brazil is swung into the box and lands on the head of Rayan who powers it home!
Australia were so close to a victory but they’ll have to settle for a draw.
Australia 1-0 Brazil
13:04 , Mike Jones90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play.
Carlo Ancelotti is on his feet and trying to inject some urgency into Brazil.
It isn’t working.
Australia 1-0 Brazil
12:59 , Mike Jones86 mins: Brazil are resorting to whipping crosses into the box and trying to wins corners.
Australia have more height with their defenders and clear the danger easily enough.
The Socceroos are closing in on a brilliant victory.
Australia 1-0 Brazil
12:56 , Mike Jones83 mins: Brazil’s rhythm has all but abandoned them since the goal. They haven’t been able to conjure anything.
It’s almost as though the shock of conceding has nulled them.
Can Ancelotti marshall a comeback from here?
Australia 1-0 Brazil
12:54 , Mike Jones80 mins: Into the last 10 minutes of the game and Brazil have work to do yet.
Ancelotti has made more changes.
Douglas Santos, Vitor Reis and Estevao are off with Jair Cunha, Mauro Junior and Rayan all introduced.
Australia 1-0 Brazil
12:50 , Mike Jones77 mins: There’s a loud round of applause for Nestory Irankunda as he departs the pitch with Riley McGree on to replace him.
Irankunda’s goal is the difference between the teams at the minute and could prove to be a decisive one.
Australia 1-0 Brazil
12:49 , Mike Jones76 mins: Harry Souttar takes a knock on the head after a collision.
He’s fine to play on but needs a breather beforehand.
Brazil have around 15 minutes to get themselves back into this match.
Australia 1-0 Brazil
12:47 , Mike Jones73 mins: There’s a lot of pressure just landing on the shoulders of the Brazilian players.
After the manner of their World Cup exit they can’t afford to lose to Australia as well.
Expect the tempo and intensity to rise from the Selecao now.
GOAL! Australia 1-0 Brazil (Nestory Irankunda, 68')
12:45 , Mike JonesWow!
Australia’s star man, Nestory Irankunda takes the set piece and fires it into the top corner.
The Socceroos take the lead against Brazil!
Australia 0-0 Brazil
12:43 , Mike Jones67 mins: Okon-Engstler and Douglas Luiz come together twice with both men throwing themselves into physical challenges.
The latter sees the Brazilian give up a free kick inside his own half.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
12:39 , Mike Jones66 mins: Changes from Ancelotti.
Vinicius Junior, Bruno Guimaraes and Endrick are all taken off with Douglas Luiz, Samuel Lino and Pedro brought on.
A bit more spark needed for Brazil perhaps?
Australia 0-0 Brazil
12:37 , Mike Jones63 mins: Behich darts down the left side of the pitch and brings the ball into the Brazilian box.
He spies Metcalfe and looks for him with a pass but the ball is intercepted and cleared.
Australia are still giving this a go. There’s a belief in them that they can get something out of this match.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
12:35 , Mike Jones60 mins: Okon-Engstler has attempted to control more possession in the middle of the pitch in this half.
He wants to dictate more of Australia’s play but overhits a pass out to the right and gives the ball away.
An hour played.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
12:30 , Mike Jones57 mins: An Australian corner is wasted and cleared easily by Brazil who look to be upping the tempo of their own play.
Endrick skips past Souttar and carries the ball into the box. He looks for the cutback but the Aussie skipper manages to get back and intercept the pass.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
12:28 , Mike Jones54 mins: Raphinha gets free on the break but he’s quickly closed down by Beach who smothers the ball.
Brazil aren’t done though and they win in back in midfield before slipping it to Vini Jr.
He looks to shoot but Circati slides across the deck and clears the danger.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
12:24 , Mike Jones51 mins: The first real action of the second half sees Estevao in possession after a quick break from Brazil.
He shoots from outside the penalty area but doesn’t find the target.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
12:20 , Mike Jones48 mins: Neither manager made any changes at the break so it’s as they were in the first half.
Will Australia falter or can they spring a surprise on Brazil?
Second half! Australia 0-0 Brazil
12:19 , Mike JonesAustralia get the ball rolling again for the second half.
HT Australia 0-0 Brazil
12:10 , Mike JonesThat was an entertaining first half and Australia more than held their own against Brazil.
The hosts created six shots (though only one was on target) while Brazil managed seven (three on target).
Circati probably had the best opportunity, just before Estevao’s disallowed goal, but as things stand it’s all square.
Half-time! Australia 0-0 Brazil
12:02 , Mike Jones45+3 mins: Nothing to split the teams at the break though Brazil came awfully close right at the end of the first half.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
12:01 , Mike Jones45 mins: GOAL!
No wait, Estevao has the ball in the back of the net for Brazil but a VAR review means it’s scratched off.
That’s due to a foul on Souttar in the build up by the looks of it.
A let off for Australia.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:54 , Mike Jones42 mins: Closing in on half-time.
Australia have been good value so far but it does have a feel of a game where Brazil’s quality will eventually come to the forefront.
Before then, Alessandro Circati decides to take a shot from outside the box but he doesn’t find the target.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:51 , Mike Jones39 mins: Australia’s biggest issue so far is a lack of ruthlessness in the final third.
They’ve gotten themselves into decent positions but haven’t been able to truly test Hugo Souza.
Yengi, Irankunda and Behich have all been impressive.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:48 , Mike Jones36 mins: Close! Brazil are knocking on the door.
It’s Vinicius Jr this time who weaves into the penalty area and takes a shy at Patrick Beach.
The goalkeeper keeps it out.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:46 , Mike Jones33 mins: Lucas Herrington is one of Australia’s rising stars and the defender shows why against Endrick.
Herrington is only 19 years old but manages to get an arm across the Brazilian attacker after his dances into the box and forces him to the turf before a shot is taken.
VAR takes a look at the incident but there’s nothing in it.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:43 , Mike Jones30 mins: Brazil are more in control now. They’re keeping possession and building up through midfield.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men having dominated though and they don’t look the most comfortable which should feed confidence into Australia’s play.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:40 , Mike Jones27 mins: After defending the set pieces, Brazil burst forward with intent and desire.
Estevao collects the ball and shuffles it onto his left foot before taking a shot from outside the penalty area.
It’s not the best effort and sails high and wide.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:38 , Mike Jones24 mins: Slick play between Metcalfe and Irankunda sees the Socceroos feed the ball out to the left wing. Behich takes over and whips in a cross but it’s too close to the goalkeeper who clings onto the ball.
At the other end of the pitch, Brazil look to assert from pressure on the Australian defence, Raphinha sending a header into the hands of Beach.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:33 , Mike Jones21 mins: Connor Metcalfe takes a shot from outside the box but there are too many Brazilian shirts in the way and it gets blocked.
Brazil win a free kick after a foul from Jackson Irvine and quickly work the ball down the left.
It comes across to Bruno Guimaraes who shoots and forces Beach into a decent save.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:30 , Mike Jones18 mins: Australia coach Tony Popovic will be happy with this start.
His team are seeing quite a bit of action in Brazil’s third but they haven’t been able to create many clear cut chances.
Brazil seem to have settled down defensively too which could be an issue. Vitor Reis comes out of position and intercepts a pass meant for Tete Yengi.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:27 , Mike Jones15 mins: Italiano has been bandaged up and is back on his feet. He’s able to play one having, apparantly, passed the first concussion test.
Brazil look to capitalise on a slight error from Harry Souttar who gives the ball away but Australia sweep forward to close down the ball and cut short the attack.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:25 , Mike Jones11 mins: Jacob Italiano takes a knock after a clash of heads with Douglas Santos and causes pause in proceedings while he receives treatment.
There’s a bit of blood coming from his forehead so that will need to be dealt with.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:22 , Mike Jones9 mins: Action at either end as Vinicius Jr kicks Brazil into life in the attacking third with a solid run down the left before cutting it back to Estevao. He scuffs his effort and softly sends the shot into the hands of Patrick Beach.
For Australia, Nestory Irankunda is fed the ball by Aziz Behich and eases up the pitch. He takes on a shot and forces a decent stop out of Hugo Souza!
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:19 , Mike Jones6 mins: Tete Yengi sweeps down the right side as Circati pings a long ball over the top and picks him out.
Australia are on the attack again but as Yengi comes up against Marquinhos it’s the Brazilian defender who gets the better of the ball and knocks it out for a throw in.
The Socceroos win back to back corners but can’t create a decent chance at goal as Brazil defend their box strongly.
Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:17 , Mike Jones3 mins: Australia start strongly with Italiano slipping a fine pass to Metcalfe.
He creates a touch of space but it’s enough to get a shot away. For a second Hugo Souza stares it down but the effort goes wide of the goalkeeper and out of play.
Good start from the hosts.
Kick off! Australia 0-0 Brazil
11:14 , Mike JonesWe’re underway!
Can the Socceroos stand up to the might of Brazil. Recent meetings between the teams haven’t been kind to Australia but they’re in good touch and have home advantage.
Let’s see what they can do.
Australia v Brazil
11:11 , Mike JonesThere’s been a slight delay to proceedings but the national anthems have been sung and kick off is up next...
Australia v Brazil
10:59 , Mike JonesThe players have made their way out onto the pitch and they’ll kick off this friendly very soon.
Ancelotti on facing Australia
10:52 , Mike Jones"It's difficult to say it's a friendly. For Brazil, it will never be a friendly game," Carlo Ancelotti said. "It will be an important game.
"A new season, we have a goal to find new players, to find a new generation of players for the World Cup and the Copa America.
"I know that soccer in Australia is not the biggest sport. But they did really well [at the World Cup], and Tony [Popovic, Australia's coach] did a fantastic job.
"He organised a fantastic team, really compact, strong defensively, with a fantastic counter-attack. They won a fantastic game against Turkiye, then lost on penalties against Egypt.
"I think that in modern football, there are no easy games. You have to prepare well for the game; you have to respect the rival and do your best."
More from Irankunda
10:45 , Mike JonesOn playing Brazil, the forward added: “It's something different. You're playing against one of the best national teams in the world and you're playing against the best players.
“So it will help us. It will help us and it's a good experience for the whole group. It will be a challenge, obviously. It will be a difficult two games, but we will try to give it our best.
“I want the fans to come and support us and not just be there to see the Brazilian players but to see us as well because I feel like we've done all we could at the World Cup and I feel like we've done something great.”
Irankunda ready to 'do something special'
10:38 , Mike JonesAustralia forward Nestory Irankunda said that he was ready to "do something special" in the two-match series against Brazil.
“It's something that I've been looking forward to,” he said of joining up with the Socceroos again.
“Just super happy to be with the boys again and ready to do something special again.
“The World Cup was something huge for me and also for the country. To be a part of that and to do what we've done at the World Cup, it was a great feeling and it was great memories created as well.”
Brazil have fallen from their pedestal and the way back to the elite will be long and painful
10:30 , Richard JollyFollowing Brazil’s last-16 World Cup exit Carlo Ancelotti must rebuild the Selecao to bring back their glory days.
Brazil have fallen from their pedestal and the way back will be long and painful
Australia v Brazil
10:22 , Mike JonesThe players are in Queensland and are ready for this contest.
Can Australia challenge the might of Brazil?
Brazil team to face Australia
10:14 , Mike JonesBrazil XI: Souza; Matheuzinho, Marquinhos, Vitor Reis; Douglas Santos, Danilo Santos, Bruno Guimaraes; Raphinha, Estevao, Vinicius Jr; Endrick
Confira os 11 escalados para o primeiro amistoso com a Austrália! 🇧🇷⚽🇦🇺
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) September 25, 2026
A Seleção Brasileira está definida para entrar em campo em Townsville, Queensland, na Austrália.
⏰ A bola rola às 20h no horário local e às 7h da manhã no Brasil.
Vamos, Brasil! 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/clYDfU4kbW
Australia team to take on Brazil
10:07 , Mike JonesAustralia XI: Beach; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Herrington, Behich; Irvine, Okon-Engstler, Metcalfe; Irankunda, Yengi
📋 Your CommBank #Socceroos Starting XI to face Brazil has landed!
— CommBank Socceroos (@Socceroos) September 25, 2026
🤝 Yengi makes second Socceroos start
👏 Behich earns 88th cap, with Irvine set for his 87th
💪 Souttar skippers the side
🇦🇺 v 🇧🇷 - 25.9.26, 8:00pm AEST - Townsville
📱💻📺 Live on 10 and Paramount+… pic.twitter.com/HPKcHohrHa
Starting again
10:00 , Mike JonesBrazil’s exit at the last-16 stage if the 2026 World Cup was the earliest they’ve been eliminated from the competition since the 1990 edition.
It was a thoroughly disappointing campaign and Carlo Ancelotti has moved on.
He has selected a squad without the likes of Casemiro or even Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson as he eyes up the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2030 World Cup.
The manager hopes to build and embed a spine into his team for the latter tournament so that they are well placed to compete.
Ancelotti on disappointing World Cup
09:52 , Mike JonesWe he named his new squad for the two friendlies against Australia, Carlo Ancelotti also reflected on Brazil’s World Cup performance.
"The World Cup was a disappointment for us and for me personally," Ancelotti said.
"We weren't able to play the way we expected. Being eliminated by Norway was a huge letdown because the team had actually played well up until the 60th minute of that match.
"We struggled in the first half, but the team improved after that. The defeat to Norway came as a surprise in that sense, because no one expected it to happen.
"At a club, you have the chance to process things and move on relatively quickly because there's another competition coming up; with the national team, it's more complicated.
"The pain of the defeat lingers much longer. Now, we are motivated by the fact that we have time to prepare for a new cycle and get ready for the upcoming competitions."
Where to watch the match in the UK
09:44 , Mike JonesUnfortunately there are no broadcasters showing the game live in the United Kingdom.
Highlights from the game will be shown on Football Australia YouTube channel after the full-time whistle.
The Independent will live blog the match which you can follow right here.
Ancelotti makes sweeping changes to Brazil squad
09:37 , Mike JonesCarlo Ancelotti is wasting no time moving on from the disappointment of the World Cup and has made sweeping changes to the 26-man squad that featured in the tournament this summer.
Casemiro and Fabinho are amongst the big names to be excluded with Ancelotti selecting players eligible for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo Santos, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Endrick, Rayan are the only players to survive the cull.
26 CONVOCADOS! 🇧🇷
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) September 9, 2026
A Seleção está pronta para novos desafios: dois jogos contra a Austrália e o primeiro confronto da história contra a Índia.
25/09 | Austrália
29/09 | Austrália
03/10 | Índia
ISSO É BRASIL! 🇧🇷#BateNoPeito pic.twitter.com/Yht5SuOHjr
Where is the friendly being played?
09:30 , Mike JonesAustralia host Brazil in an international friendly at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday 25 September 25.
Kick-off is scheduled for 11am UK time.
The match will be followed by a second friendly taking place on Tuesday 29 September in Brisbane.
Good morning!
09:08 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of this international break.
Last night we had action from the Nations League involving teams from Europe but today we’re bringing you the action from a friendly between Australia and Brazil.
Both nations had contrasting fortunes in the World Cup.
Australia exceeded expectations having made it out of the group stage before losing on penalties to Egypt in the last-32 while Brazil were beaten in the last-16 having lost 2-1 to Norway. It was another underperformance from the Selecao who must now rebuild over the next four year cycle.
We’ll have all the latest news, updates and action from the friendly so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 11am.
