Brazil to start Estêvão with Raphinha, Endrick vs. Australia

Brazil's first match after the 2026 World Cup

Brazil returns to action after its 2026 World Cup elimination by Norway in the round of 16. The friendly against Australia is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, with kickoff at 7 a.m. Brasília time, ge reported. Viewers in Brazil can watch the match on TV Globo, sportv, ge TV or ge's live coverage.

Australia is also starting a new cycle after the 2026 World Cup. Egypt eliminated Australia in the second round on penalties after a 1-1 draw, according to ge. The two-match series is part of Australia's preparation for the Asian Cup, which begins in January in Saudi Arabia.

Ancelotti's attacking lineup

Estêvão is set to make his first start for Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti. He will join Raphinha, Endrick and Vinícius Júnior in the expected attack, according to Diretta. The projected Brazil lineup also includes Hugo Souza in goal, Matheuzinho, Marquinhos, Vitor Reis and Douglas Santos in defense, plus Danilo Santos and Bruno Guimarães in midfield.

João Pedro and Wesley are unavailable after being cut because of injuries. Sporting News reported that Martinelli replaced João Pedro and Vanderson replaced Wesley in the 26-player squad. The same outlet said eight players in the group had not previously appeared for Brazil's senior team.

Ancelotti has kept seven players from Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad in the expected starting lineup, while Matheuzinho and Vitor Reis are the listed newcomers. Brazil's group also includes nine players who have not yet made their senior debuts, ge reported, a figure that differs from Sporting News' count of eight newcomers in the squad.

Australia's young group

Tony Popovic's Australia retains much of its World Cup base but leaves out goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, who captained the team at the tournament. Patrick Beach, Lucas Herrington, Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati are expected to form the defensive line, with Jackson Irvine and Aiden O'Neill in midfield.

Nestory Irankunda, who is 20, is listed among Australia's attacking players. Yahoo Sports reported that Irankunda recently moved from Watford to Sporting in Portugal. Jackson Irvine said Australia must improve before the Asian Cup, while Irankunda backed the team's younger players.

Brazil and Australia will meet again in Brisbane on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. Brazil will then face India in Kolkata on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.