Ancelotti trims Brazil: Neymar and Casemiro left out as eight debutants called up
Ancelotti named 26 players with eight debutants and lowered the squad’s average age sharply after the 2026 World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti published his first Brazil squad following the 2026 World Cup on 10 September 2026, signaling a clear rebuild of the “Canarinha.” The coach named 26 players for friendly matches against Australia and India and included eight debutants, markedly lowering the team’s average age from 28.8 to 24.4 years.
Fresh faces and retained leaders
Among the newcomers are goalkeepers Pedro Morisco and Otavio; defenders Arthur Dias and Jair Cunha; full-backs Matheuzinho and Mauro Junior; and midfielders Breno Bidon and Gabriel Bontempo. Ancelotti nonetheless kept a number of experienced names in the group, including Vinicius Junior, Rafinha, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Santos. Young talents Endrick, Estevao and Ryan also made the squad.
The list notably omits Neymar and Casemiro, a sign that Ancelotti intends to begin building the team that will aim toward the 2030 World Cup cycle.
Officials emphasized the blend of youth and experience is deliberate: to accelerate integration of new players while preserving a competitive core for the coming season of fixtures.
Below is the 26-player roster named for the friendlies against Australia and India on 10 September 2026.
- Goalkeepers: Ugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otavio.
- Defence: Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhes, Jair Cunha, Marquinhos, Matheuzinho, Mauro Junior, Vitor Reis, Wesly.
- Midfield: Andre Santos, Breno Bidon, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo, Douglas Luiz, Gabriel Bontempo.
- Attack: Endrick, Estevao, Joao Pedro, Pedro, Rafinha, Ryan, Samuel Lino, Vinicius Junior.
Publication time recorded with the list: 10.09.2026 20:00.
Photo: press material from the event
