Socceroos Predicted XI + Brazil's Confirmed XI!

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Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his starting XI for Brazil’s clash with the Socceroos in Townsville, with the Italian coach handing starting opportunities to several of the Selecao’s younger stars.

Brazil face Australia at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Friday night in the first of two friendlies between the nations, with Ancelotti using the matches as the beginning of a new cycle following Brazil’s disappointing early exit from the 2026 World Cup.

The five-time world champions have undergone something of a reset since the World Cup, with Ancelotti selecting only nine players from his tournament squad for the upcoming international window.

But there is still plenty of star power in the XI named to take on Tony Popovic's Socceroos.

Brazil XI:

Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, Marquinhos, Vitor Reis, Douglas Santos; Danilo, Bruno Guimaraes; Estevao, Raphinha, Endrick, Vinicius Junior.

The biggest talking point is the inclusion of Manchester City defender Vitor Reis, who will make his Brazil debut after being selected alongside veteran captain Marquinhos in central defence.

Corinthians fullback Matheuzinho is also handed his first start for the national team.

At the other end of the pitch, Ancelotti has unleashed a frightening attacking quartet.

Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Endrick and Estevao will all start, giving Australia a huge test against four players capable of producing match-winning moments.

Endrick's inclusion is particularly intriguing. The Real Madrid forward has been given another opportunity to establish himself in Ancelotti's new-look Brazil side, while Chelsea youngster Estevao will also be looking to make an impact.

Bruno Guimaraes provides experience in midfield, with Danilo alongside him.

Interestingly, Ancelotti's confirmed XI differs slightly from some of the predicted lineups published ahead of the match, with Matheuzinho and Vitor Reis both getting the nod from the outset.

Ancelotti also appeared to suggest this exact XI shouldn't necessarily be expected to remain unchanged for future matches, joking after revealing the team to the media: "Don't get used to it."

For Australia, the match represents one of its biggest tests since reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup.

The Socceroos have also entered a new phase under Popovic, with seven potential debutants included in the squad and veteran goalkeeper Mat Ryan surprisingly omitted.

Brazil and Australia have met nine times previously, with Brazil winning seven, Australia winning once and one match ending in a draw. The last meeting came in 2017, when Brazil won 4-0 in Melbourne.

Now, almost a decade later, the Socceroos get another crack at one of international football's giants.

Socceroos Predicted XI:

Pat Beach, Kasey Bos, Lucas Herrington, Harry Souttar, Alessandro Circati, Jacob Italiano, Aiden O'Neil, Paul Okon-Engstler, Riley McGree, Nestroy Irankunda, Tete Yengi