Carlo Ancelotti, the newly appointed coach of the Brazilian national football team, has unveiled his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia. The roster notably excludes star forward Neymar and rests key player Vinicius Junior, while welcoming back midfielder Lucas Paqueta. Neymar’s absence stems from a recent minor thigh discomfort experienced during training, though Ancelotti downplayed the situation, emphasizing Brazil’s already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The coach highlighted the well-established nature of Neymar’s abilities, suggesting that his focus is on ensuring the player’s optimal physical condition for the tournament rather than immediate evaluation. This marks another missed opportunity for Neymar to don the national jersey, following his withdrawal from the March fixtures due to a similar thigh injury. He hasn’t played for Brazil in nearly two years.
Ancelotti’s decision to rest Vinicius Junior is strategic. The Real Madrid striker is suspended for the Chile clash and the coaching staff opted to spare him the demanding travel and high-altitude conditions of the subsequent match in Bolivia. This proactive approach aims to prioritize the player’s well-being and readiness for future crucial engagements. Vinicius’ importance to the team was underscored in June when his goal secured Brazil’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Ancelotti’s second game at the helm. The qualifying campaign, which began under previous coach Dorival Junior, saw varying fortunes, including a victory against Colombia but a significant defeat to Argentina.
Lucas Paqueta’s return to the national team comes after being cleared of betting charges by a Premier League independent commission. The West Ham midfielder’s inclusion marks his reinstatement after an absence dating back to November 2024. Paqueta’s availability provides Ancelotti with an additional midfield option and reinforces the team’s depth in this area. Another notable inclusion is Joao Pedro, the young centre-forward who has impressed since joining Chelsea in July. His standout performance in the Club World Cup, where his two goals helped eliminate his former club Fluminense in the semi-finals, further cemented his claim for a place in the national squad. He also scored in the final against Paris Saint-Germain, a match Chelsea won 3-0.
The squad selection reflects Ancelotti’s approach to team management, balancing the need for established talent with opportunities for emerging players. The absence of Neymar and Vinicius Junior, while significant, opens the door for other players to showcase their abilities and solidify their roles within the team. This strategic rotation allows for experimentation and assessment, crucial as Ancelotti builds his vision for the team leading up to the World Cup. The blend of experience and youth, represented by veteran players like Alisson, Casemiro, and Marquinhos alongside rising stars like Andrey Santos, Gabriel Martinelli, and Estevao, underscores the dynamism Ancelotti aims to cultivate within the squad.
The goalkeeping positions are filled by the experienced trio of Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), and Hugo Souza (Corinthians). The defensive line comprises a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talents, including Alexsandro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit St-Petersburg), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), and Wesley (Roma). The midfield features a strong contingent of Premier League players, with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton from Newcastle, Casemiro from Manchester United, and the returning Lucas Paqueta from West Ham. Young talent Andrey Santos from Chelsea completes the midfield selection.
The forward line includes a blend of experience and youthful promise. Estevao and Joao Pedro, both from Chelsea, represent the next generation of Brazilian attacking talent. Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luis Henrique (Zenit St-Petersburg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), and Richarlison (Tottenham) complete the forward options. The composition of the squad highlights Ancelotti’s willingness to incorporate players from various leagues and backgrounds, prioritizing form and potential over reputation. This diverse and dynamic squad underscores Ancelotti’s intent to build a robust and competitive team capable of challenging for international honors at the 2026 World Cup.
