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

Frances HoweUpdated September 25, 2026 — 7:58pm,first published 7:15pmKey PostsBrazilian players’ reactions to Indigenous ceremony spark debate, anger back homeBy Vince RugariHaving 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.Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and representatives from Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, who performed a smoking ceremony to welcome the team to Townsville.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.Latest Posts7.58pmPitch quality debatable ahead of kick-offBy Not to be a downer, but I have to say: the pitch is poor. Rough in parts, slippery too. Apparently that’s been the way all season – but the NRL is one thing, and hosting a team like Brazil, with their players who are worth many, many millions of dollars, is quite another. Already we have seen their pending debutant Matheuzinho slip over during the warm-up.Australia’s Marcus Younis warms up ahead of the match.Getty Images7.53pmReminder: Here’s how Brazil performed at the World CupBy So we all remember the Socceroos Round of 32 penalty shoot-out loss to Egypt. But how did Brazil do at the 2026 World Cup?Ranked fifth in the world to Australia’s 28th, Brazil opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 tie against Morocco. It was Vini Jnr (who starts for Brazil tonight) who equalised in the 32nd minute before he earned another goal in their second game, a 3-0 win over Haiti.Vinicius Junior was a star for Brazil at the World Cup and starts against the Socceroos tonight. Photo AgencyIt was Matheus Cunha who found a brace in that match, before the star duo traded places for their final group-stage match, a 3-0 victory over Scotland, with Vini Jnr scoring two goals and Cunha one.They topped the group and narrowly avoided extra time in their round of 32 match against Japan. They conceded the first goal before Casemiro equalised in the 56th minute. Gabriel Martinelli scored the match winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time.It was Norway – and Erling Haaland specifically – who ended Brazil’s World Cup dreams in the Round of 16. The viking scored two goals after both sides went 0-0 until the 79th minute. Haaland added salt to the wound with a goal in the 90th minute and though Brazil won a penalty, converted by Neymar in the 10th minute of stoppage time, they couldn’t find another. 7.43pmSee the Socceroos arrive at Queensland Country Bank StadiumBy 7.37pmIn photos: Brazil’s fans take over TownsvilleBy Brazil’s fans turned up in numbers ahead of the match in Townsville.Getty ImagesThe fans threw a street party ahead of the game. Getty ImagesFans show their support for Brazil. Getty ImagesIt was a warm 26 degrees in the far north today.Getty Images7.22pmWhat’s happened since the World CupBy 7.07pmTeam news: Irankunda on the wing! Let there be a thousand blossoms bloomBy Vince RugariG’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.Brazilian fans show their support before the start of the match between the Socceroos and Brazil at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.Getty ImagesThere 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.Brazilian players’ reactions to Indigenous ceremony spark debate, anger back homeBy Vince RugariHaving 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.Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and representatives from Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, who performed a smoking ceremony to welcome the team to Townsville.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.6.50pmWelcomeBy 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+. Queensland Country Bank Stadium is primed for the match tonight.Getty Images1 of 1