Queensland's Tourism Minister has declared the state has been leaving football on the table — and vowed to change course — as authorities announced Brazilian-style street celebrations ahead of the Socceroos' two-match friendly series against Brazil, set for Townsville on September 25 and Brisbane on September 29.

Speaking at Suncorp Stadium, Andrew Powell said Queensland had effectively scored an own goal by failing to chase more international football matches over the past decade, and signalled an intent to compete aggressively for future fixtures — including World Cup qualifiers.

A Decade of Missed Opportunities

Powell's admission was pointed: Brisbane has not hosted a competitive men's football match since the 2015 Asian Cup quarter-final against China on January 22 that year — more than eleven and a half years ago. Across three full World Cup qualifying cycles — for Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and the upcoming North America 2026 tournament — not a single qualifier was played in the Queensland capital.

"It goes to show that we've missed an opportunity for at least the last decade around football in this state," Powell said. "We're great with league, we're great with AFL, we're doing a good job with union. Football is a space where we can move into and take to another level. This game is just the start."

Powell said he was "unapologetic" about Queensland's ambition to become the events capital of Australia, noting the Brazil matches were already drawing visitors from interstate and overseas. "We know that football brings crowds, and we want to get important games like qualifiers in the future," he said.

Samba in the Streets: Brisbane and Townsville Celebrations

The pre-match festivities are set to extend well beyond stadium gates. In Brisbane, Caxton Street will be closed to traffic from 5.30pm on September 29 for a street party ahead of the Suncorp Stadium clash. Townsville will go first, with Flinders Street shut for a celebration featuring a Sneaky Sound System concert before the match at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Townsville MP Adam Baillie said the northern city was ready for its moment in the global spotlight. "The minister talks about Queensland being the events capital of the nation, and we know Townsville is the sporting and events capital of the north," he said, adding the matches would deliver real economic benefits: "More heads on beds, more cheeks on seats, for our accommodation, our tourism, and our hospitality operators."

It will mark the first time the Brazil senior men's team has played in Queensland.

A Star-Studded Brazil Squad

Brazil has named a formidable squad for the two friendlies, with coach Carlo Ancelotti selecting a raft of elite European club players. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona) and Bruno Guimarães (Arsenal) are among those confirmed. The world-class line-up is expected to heighten interest both domestically and among the significant Brazilian diaspora in Queensland.

Australia-Brazil Chamber of Commerce chief executive Valeria Noleto said south-east Queensland's Brazilian community numbers more than 20,000, and that thousands more are expected to travel to both venues. Remarkably, she said some fans are making the journey from South America specifically for these two friendlies.

"Many of us grew up watching football with our parents, grandparents, friends," Noleto said. "Because of this, we have the opportunity to share with our kids — who were born here, who were raised here — to create these collective memories." As for her score prediction? A 3–2 win to Brazil — though she added with a smile that as an Australian citizen, she would happily settle for a draw.

Socceroos Squad and What Comes Next

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic was expected to announce his squad selection on Friday. The Socceroos' global following continues to grow, and Powell made clear these matches are intended as a launchpad rather than a one-off, with Queensland authorities actively eyeing a larger slice of international football scheduling in the years ahead.