#111 - Will Popovic actually play exciting young talent for the Socceroos?

Tony Popovic has finally named his 26-player Socceroos squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil.

The squad features 16 players retained from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, three recalls and seven potential debutants. There are plenty of familiar faces alongside exciting young talent, with Popovic continuing to give opportunities to players pushing for senior selection.

With Mat Ryan absent, there are questions around the goalkeeping situation, while several players in strong club form will be hoping to make their mark against one of world football's biggest nations.

Europa League

Alessandro Circati made his European debut for Benfica at the San Siro against AC Milan, helping his side to a 2-0 win and clean sheet in a huge performance. Australian referee Jared Gillett also made his European competition debut in the match.

Daniel Arzani scored a spectacular goal on his return to Celtic Park as Ferencváros defeated Celtic 3-1, while Yaya Dukuly started against Bayer Leverkusen.

England

Lucas Herrington made his Premier League starting debut, becoming the second-youngest Australian to start a Premier League match after Harry Kewell. He recorded 92% passing accuracy despite his side's 2-1 defeat.

Alex Robertson continued his strong form for Cardiff City, creating the most chances and completing the most passes in a 3-1 win over Charlton.

Riley McGree featured in back-to-back 2-2 draws for Middlesbrough, while Mohamed Toure came off the bench against Manchester City in the League Cup.

Kealey Adamson impressed after coming off the bench early for QPR following a red card, helping his side fight back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2.

In the Women's Super League, Mary Fowler helped Manchester City to a 4-2 win over Liverpool, while Steph Catley started for Arsenal against Manchester United as the Gunners rescued a late 1-1 draw. Ellie Carpenter played the full match in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Birmingham.

Scotland

Ryan Strain continued his excellent form for Falkirk, registering an assist in a 2-1 win over Hearts before another impressive performance against St Johnstone, where he created the most chances, completed the most passes and made the most tackles.

Daniel Bennie assisted in Dundee United's 3-0 win over St Mirren, while Josh Rawlins played the full match.

Jack Iredale and Martin Boyle featured for Hibernian, with Boyle scoring from the penalty spot.

Europe

Nestory Irankunda made his first start for Sporting CP, playing 57 minutes in a 2-2 draw.

Jacob Italiano marked his return to the Socceroos squad with a goal for Grazer AK in a 2-2 draw with Austria Vienna.

Marcus Younis continued his scoring form for Brøndby, finding the net in their cup victory.

Dylan Leonard featured for Alemannia Aachen, while Hayley Raso played the second half in Eintracht Frankfurt's 3-2 win.

In Sweden, Daniela Galic played 90 minutes for Vittsjo GIK, while Charli Grant started her fourth straight game for Malmö, with Amy Sayer and Courtney Nevin also featuring.

Asia Champions League

The Asian Champions League produced a mixed week for Australian players and coaches.

Ange Postecoglou's side suffered a 4-0 defeat away to Al Ain, while Kevin Muscat's Shanghai Port came out on top in a remarkable 6-4 thriller against Ratchaburi.

The Newcastle Jets endured a difficult night, losing 7-1 to Kashima Antlers. Pat Wood scored for the Jets from a Joe Lolley assist.

In the AFC Champions League Two, Adelaide United made an impressive start with a 3-0 win over Tai Po, with goals from Ethan Alagich, Juan Muñiz and Craig Goodwin.

Mitch Duke and Tete Yengi both scored as Machida Zelvia defeated Svay Rieng 2-0.

USA

Aiden O'Neill played 90 minutes in the New York derby as New York City FC lost 1-0 to the Red Bulls.

Kye Rowles played the full match for DC United, while Archie Goodwin came off the bench for Charlotte.

Patrick Yazbek played 83 minutes in Nashville's 3-0 win over Chicago as they continued their strong season.

In the NWSL, Mackenzie Arnold made five saves in Portland's 4-1 win over Orlando, while Sam Kerr played 90 minutes and registered an assist for Gotham.

Australia Cup Final Set

The Australia Cup final is locked in.

South Melbourne produced another comeback to defeat Lions FC 3-1, with Bul Juach scoring another hat-trick in the competition.

They will now face Melbourne Victory in the final at AAMI Park on 10 October.

Joeys Announce Two International Squads

Football Australia has named two CommBank Joeys squads for September and October international tournaments.

The 2009-born Joeys will travel to Spain for the U17 Copa España 2026, where they will face Panama and Morocco as preparations continue for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The 2010-born squad will travel to China for the U16 CFA Invitational 2026, taking on Vietnam, Kyrgyz Republic and hosts China PR.

Around the A-Leagues

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has signed with Macarthur, adding another attacking option to the Bulls.

We also discuss the latest developments surrounding the Australian Championship and the decision-making around the competition just one month out from its second edition.

Team of the Week

• GK: Mackenzie Arnold
• DEF: Ryan Strain, Dylan Leonard, Jacob Italiano
• MID: Marcus Younis, Ethan Alagich, Alex Robertson, Daniel Arzani
• FWD: Annalise Rasmussen, Mitch Duke, Bul Juach

From the Socceroos' Brazil squad to Australians starring across Europe and Asia, the Australia Cup final, the Joeys and plenty more — there's plenty to unpack this week.

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