Ancelotti names Brazil squad for new era after World Cup disappointment

Carlo Ancelotti has begun reshaping Brazil after their early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving out 16 members of the previous generation and selecting eight players for the first time.

The Brazil head coach has named a 26-man squad for the team’s next international break, when they will face Australia twice and India. The selection marks the beginning of what Brazilian media have described as a new era under the Italian manager.

Brazil were eliminated in the last 16 of the World Cup after losing 2-1 to Norway. Erling Haaland scored twice in that match, ending the country’s hopes of progressing further in the tournament.

The new squad includes first-time call-ups for Pedro Morisco, Otavio, Arthur Dias, Jair, Matheuzinho, Mauro Junior, Breno Bidon and Gabriel Bontempo.

There are also recalls for Estevao, Andre Santos and Joao Pedro, who were absent from the squad for the most recent World Cup.

The changes come after the departure of a number of established Brazil players. Neymar, Danilo, Casemiro, Fabinho, Alex Sandro, Alisson and Ederson are among the senior figures no longer included. In total, 16 players from the previous group have been left out as Ancelotti begins planning for the 2030 World Cup.

Brazil were not considered among the leading favourites to win the 2026 tournament, but they had expected to reach the later stages. Their defeat by Norway instead prompted a period of widespread criticism and debate in the country, with television programmes examining both the reasons for the failure and the identity of the person capable of rebuilding the team from September onwards.

The Brazilian Football Confederation has opted for a fresh start. Officials said during the summer: “Now Ancelotti’s real era begins.”

With no previous commitments to the old squad, Ancelotti is attempting to construct a team for the next four years, with the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco as the long-term target. His initial selection is intended to combine experience with emerging talent identified during a series of matches watched on both sides of the Atlantic.

The coach has prioritised players he believes can make an impact individually while also contributing to the team collectively. That approach has seen Kawa Elias of Shakhtar, Andre of Corinthians, Sousa of Porto, Kevin of Fulham and Kaiky of Como miss out on this occasion. Their absence does not necessarily close the door on future involvement, with the coaching staff still expecting them to progress and eventually challenge for places.

The new Brazil side is expected to be led by Vinicius Junior and Raphinha. The Real Madrid and Barcelona forwards are regarded as the central figures in Ancelotti’s team and will be asked to take responsibility during the next stage of the national side’s development.

At the World Cup in the United States, Neymar made clear that Vinicius Junior and Raphinha had inherited his role. They now occupy a position once held by Brazil’s greatest footballing figures, including Pele, Romario, Garrincha, Socrates, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.

Ancelotti has also placed significant responsibility on Endrick. With no settled centre-forward established in the squad, the Real Madrid striker is viewed by the manager as one of the leaders who can shape Brazil’s future.

“It’s true that we tried many strikers this year. The situation is clear, we have many very talented young players, and we have to support their development. One of them is well known: Endrick. We have other forwards who are performing very well, and others who are left out of the squad. We have good alternatives, but Endrick will be an important player for Brazil in the future,” said Ancelotti.

The full squad is:

Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), Otavio (Cruzeiro).

Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico-PR), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Jair (Nottingham Forest), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Mauro Junior (PSV Eindhoven), Vitor Reis (Manchester City), Wesley (Roma).

Midfielders: Andre Santos (Manchester United), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), Gabriel Bontempo (Santos).

Forwards: Endrick (Real Madrid), Estevao (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Ryan (Bournemouth), Samuel Lino (Flamengo), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).