Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named his 23-man squad for the final round of South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Neymar, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo all left out.
The Seleção, who have already secured qualification, will face Chile at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro on September 4 before traveling to El Alto, Bolivia, five days later for a high-altitude clash. Brazil currently sit third in the CONMEBOL standings on 25 points, level with Ecuador and just behind leaders Argentina on goal difference.
Explaining his decision, Ancelotti said he wanted to “take a closer look at players I don’t know as well on a personal level.” Neymar, recovering from a leg injury, has not featured for Brazil since October 2023. Vinícius Jr. was unavailable for the Chile game due to suspension and would only have been eligible to play in Bolivia. As for Rodrygo, the coach indicated he already knows the Real Madrid pair well enough and prefers to test other options.
A major talking point in the squad is the return of Lucas Paquetá, who has been recalled after more than a year away. The West Ham midfielder was previously omitted while under investigation for alleged links to a betting scandal.
Brazil Squad in Full
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians).
Defenders: Alexandro Ribeiro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Roma).
Midfielders: André Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham).
Forwards: Estêvão (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), João Pedro (Chelsea), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham).
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