In line with commitments made in a July interview with the Associated Press (AP), following Brazil's elimination by Norway in the round of 16 at the World Cup 2026, Ancelotti has called up several players eligible for the Olympic Los Angeles 2028. The Italian coach anticipates these players will form the core of Brazil's team for the World Cup 2030.

"The World Cup was a disappointment for Brazil and for me personally," Ancelotti stated during the squad announcement on 9/9. "Being eliminated by Norway was a major shock. At club level, you can quickly process a defeat and move on because another competition is always ahead. With the national team, things are more complex. The pain from defeat lasts much longer. However, we are now motivated because we have time to prepare for a new cycle and upcoming tournaments."

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti at the press conference announcing the Brazil squad on 9/9/2026. Photo: Globo

Ancelotti called up 8 uncapped players: goalkeepers Pedro Morisco (Coritiba) and Otavio (Cruzeiro); right-back Matheuzinho (Corinthians); center-backs Arthur Dias (Athletico-PR) and Jair Cunha (Nottingham Forest); left-back Mauro Junior (PSV Eindhoven); and midfielders Breno Bidon (Corinthians) and Gabriel Bontempo (Santos).

Among these, only two players are currently playing abroad. Jair previously played for Santos and Botafogo before moving to England to play for Nottingham Forest. Mauro Junior left Brazil as a teenager and is now 27 years old, playing for PSV Eindhoven.

Ancelotti completely revamped the goalkeeper position, with Liverpool's Alisson not included. Many veteran players from the World Cup 2026 were also absent, including Neymar—who has announced his retirement from international football—Casemiro, Fabinho, Alex Sandro, and Danilo.

Key experienced players retained include Vinicius, Raphinha, Bruno Guimaraes, and captain Marquinhos. Ancelotti emphasized that this group plays an important role in maintaining quality, professionalism, and supporting young talents. However, the 67-year-old coach affirmed that the national team door remains open for other players, as upcoming friendly matches will primarily be used for testing and evaluating the squad.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti instructs Brazil players during their match against Norway in the round of 16 of the World Cup 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US on 5/7. Photo: Reuters

Ancelotti also addressed statements by Thiago Silva, who criticized his overhaul plan. The former Chelsea and PSG center-back argued that players should not be excluded solely due to age if they are still capable of contributing to the national team.

Ancelotti responded, "One thing is certain: a 34 or 35-year-old player is not the future, but the present. If a player of that age is ready to play in a major tournament, they will be in the national team. But right now, our main priority is young players."

Brazil will play two friendly matches against Australia in September. The first match is scheduled for 25/9 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, before the two teams meet again on 29/9 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. On 3/10, Brazil will face India at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Brazil has two more friendly matches this year, both during the November FIFA Days, against Japan and Singapore, respectively. Both matches will be held at Singapore National Stadium.

This series of friendly matches offers Ancelotti an opportunity to continue testing the lineup and evaluating the young generation of players before Brazil enters official tournaments. The Italian coach is preparing the squad for the Olympic Los Angeles 2028 and aiming to build a competitive team for the World Cup 2030.

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Globo)