[angular] Set default option in mat-select

This issue vexed me for some time. I was using reactive forms and I fixed it using this method. PS. Using Angular 9 and Material 9.

In the "ngOnInit" lifecycle hook

1) Get the object you want to set as the default from your array or object literal

const countryDefault = this.countries.find(c => c.number === '826');

Here I am grabbing the United Kingdom object from my countries array.

2) Then set the formsbuilder object (the mat-select) with the default value.

this.addressForm.get('country').setValue(countryDefault.name);

3) Lastly...set the bound value property. In my case I want the name value.

<mat-select formControlName="country">
   <mat-option *ngFor="let country of countries" [value]="country.name" >
          {{country.name}}

  </mat-option>
</mat-select>

Works like a charm. I hope it helps