Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Australia in their first match since exiting the 2026 World Cup. Rayan snatched a last-gasp equaliser, cancelling out Nestory Irankunda's earlier goal for the hosts at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti named a side captained by Marquinhos and featuring Vinícius Júnior in attack. The sixth-ranked FIFA side struggled to connect defence and midfield, allowing 25th-placed Australia to create chances. Irankunda finished a swift move to put the hosts ahead in the 67th minute.
Brazil pressed with greater urgency late on. In the third minute of added time, following a cross from the right, Rayan arrived at the back post to head home and secure the 1-1 draw. The Chelsea forward was the late hero, but the result left a sense of disappointment.
Captain Marquinhos addressed the team's performance after the final whistle. "The expectation was for a better result," the centre-back said. The Paris Saint-Germain player added that "we have to be aware that it's the start of a new phase" under Ancelotti.
Despite the draw, Brazil remain top of their World Cup qualifying group with seven points from three matches. Vinícius Júnior, who featured, is the team's top scorer in this cycle with four goals in five appearances. The next fixture is on 29 September, again against Australia, in the second of this friendly double-header. Fans can view the full schedule on our fixtures page.
Following the back-to-back meetings with the Australians, the team prepares to face India on 3 October. Ancelotti's squad, which also includes the likes of Raphinha, Bruno Guimarães and Danilo Santos, will return to Brazil to continue their preparatory work. The full squad list is available on our squad page.
More detail at Folha Esporte
