Popovic swings axe on Socceroos skipper as Asian Cup auditions begin

Sport Football Football Popovic swings axe on Socceroos skipper as Asian Cup auditions begin Alyssa Bone Updated September 18, 2026 - 1.26am . First published at 1.12am

shares Share article Mat Ryan may have already played his last game for the Socceroos after he failed to make the 26-player squad for the side’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil.

Tony Popovic named seven uncapped players in his line-up for the games later this month, while 16 members of his impressive World Cup squad were recalled.

Mat Ryan (centre) replaced Patrick Beach ahead of the penalty shootout. AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

A notable absence from that squad list was Ryan, who had long been Australia’s first choice goalkeeper and captain of the national team until the World Cup.