Alisson, the first-choice goalkeeper, has returned after recovering from injury, while Neymar’s wait to rejoin Brazil’s squad continues.
On the day Carlo Ancelotti was officially introduced as Brazil’s national team coach, he announced the squad for the upcoming two World Cup qualifying matches. Casemiro, Richarlison, and Antony have all been recalled.
However, star forward Neymar did not make the cut, nor did Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.
Ancelotti has made several changes compared to the last squad that faced Argentina. After sustaining a head injury against Colombia, the experienced goalkeeper Alisson returned from Liverpool as expected. Alongside him, Ugo Sosa also made a comeback, while Weverton and Lucas Paquetá were left out.
PSG defender Nuno Mendes, who was called before the Argentina match, has retained his place. Alexander Biberão and Carlos Augusto also returned to the squad as a reward for their good club performances.
Ancelotti has brought back Casemiro, whom he coached for a long time at Real Madrid, and also included Andreas Pereira. Joëlinton was omitted.
Guillherme Arana, Gabriel Magalhães, and Murilo were also left out.
Antony seems to have rediscovered himself after moving to Real Betis from Manchester United, earning a recall to the national team. Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, and Richarlison have also returned.
João Pedro and Savinho were omitted. Rodrygo, who hasn’t played in recent matches for Real Madrid, was not selected either. Neymar, who continues to battle injury issues, was not called up by Ancelotti for now.
Brazil will face Ecuador on June 6 and then Paraguay five days later at home.
Currently, Brazil sits fourth in the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 21 points from 14 matches. Argentina leads the group with 31 points and has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals.
Brazil Squad
- Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, Ugo Sosa
- Defenders: Alex Sandro, Alexandre Ribeiro, Nuno Mendes, Danilo, Leo Ortiz, Marquinhos, Carlos Augusto, Weverton, Wanderson
- Midfielders: Andreas Pereira, Bruno Guimarães, André, Casemiro, Jeison, Ederson
- Forwards: Estevão, Antony, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Rafinha, Vinicius Junior, Richarlison
