Last month, five-time world champions Brazil secured their ticket to the main stage after completing the World Cup qualifiers. However, with next year’s World Cup approaching, there’s no time for the Seleção to rest. To prepare, Brazil will play friendly matches this month against South Korea and Japan.
On Wednesday, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti announced a 26-man squad for these two games.
Among the key returns are Real Madrid forwards Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. However, once again, Brazilian superstar Neymar Junior has been left out of the squad. Ancelotti omitted the Santos forward due to a new thigh injury. Neymar was last seen in the Brazil jersey back in October 2023.
In addition to Neymar, several other key players miss out due to injuries: Barcelona’s Raphinha, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, and PSG center-back Marquinhos.
Brazil Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Bento (Al Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians).
Defenders: Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Éder Militão (Real Madrid), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Frabbricio Santos (Cruzeiro), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Vanderson (Monaco), Beraldo (PSG), Wesley (Roma).
Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), André (Wolverhampton), Joelinton (Newcastle), João Gomes (Wolverhampton), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham).
Forwards: Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Estevão (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).
