Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has begun reshaping the team by calling up 26 players for three friendlies against Australia and India. The squad omits 17 players who featured at the 2026 World Cup and includes eight first-time senior call-ups.
The camp, the team’s first since its round-of-16 exit to Norway at the 2026 World Cup, forms part of preparations for the 2028 Copa América and 2030 World Cup.
Nine retained and notable absences
Ancelotti retained nine players from the World Cup squad: Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos, Bruno Guimarães, Danilo, Endrick, Raphinha, Ryan and Vinícius Júnior.
The absentees include goalkeepers Alisson Becker and Ederson, midfielders Casemiro, Fabinho and Lucas Paquetá, as well as Gabriel Martinelli and Matheus Cunha. Neymar is also absent after announcing his international retirement following the World Cup.
Ancelotti said the current phase would prioritise young players capable of competing in upcoming competitions, stressing that the door remains open to everyone and that the friendlies would help him assess his options before naming tournament squads.
Eight new faces and return of Chelsea duo
Ancelotti called up eight players to the senior national team for the first time: goalkeepers Pedro Morisco and Otávio; defenders Arthur Dias, Jair Cunha, Matheuzinho and Mauro Júnior; and midfielders Breno Bidon and Gabriel Bontempo.
The coach recalled Chelsea duo João Pedro and Estêvão after they missed the World Cup. João Pedro did not make the tournament’s final squad, while an injury ruled Estêvão out. The new squad also includes 10 players based in the Brazilian league.
Three matches in Australia and India
Brazil will face Australia in Townsville on 25 September 2026, then meet them again in Brisbane on 29 September. They will conclude the series against India in Kolkata on 3 October 2026, the first meeting between the two senior national teams.
