Ancelotti Leaves Out Alisson, Casemiro and Fabinho in Brazil Rebuild
Carlo Ancelotti has named a markedly younger Brazil squad for September’s friendlies in Australia and October’s historic trip to India, leaving out Alisson, Casemiro and Fabinho as he begins a long-term rebuild after the World Cup.
Ancelotti turns focus to 2030 cycle
Brazil’s round-of-16 defeat to Norway prompted Ancelotti to accelerate his plans for renewal. The Italian has targeted players who would still be eligible for the 2028 Olympic Games, with the 2030 World Cup now the central objective.
- Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has not been selected.
- Former senior midfield regulars Casemiro and Fabinho are also absent.
- Neymar is unavailable after announcing his international retirement.
- Ancelotti has replaced Brazil’s usual goalkeeper options with Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco and Otavio.
Ancelotti said the World Cup loss had affected him more deeply than a setback in club management. He described the tournament as a major disappointment for both himself and the team, but insisted Brazil now have time to prepare properly for the next competitive cycle.
On Alisson’s omission, Ancelotti said the Liverpool player remains firmly in contention for future major tournaments. If he is still Brazil’s leading goalkeeper by the Copa America, he will return, but the current camp is intended to give younger players priority.
Senior core retained for transition
The overhaul is not a complete break from Brazil’s established names. Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Marquinhos and Bruno Guimaraes have stayed in the group to provide experience around the younger players.
- Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior remains one of the attack’s leading figures.
- Barcelona winger Raphinha keeps his place.
- Chelsea striker Joao Pedro returns after missing the World Cup.
- Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos remains in defence.
- Bruno Guimaraes, now an Arsenal player, is retained in midfield.
Ancelotti said the selected senior players were important to the change in direction and would help the next generation develop. He added that players aged 34 or 35 can still be picked for major tournaments if their level warrants it, but they represent Brazil’s present rather than its future.
Australia double-header and India first await
Brazil will begin the new phase with two matches against Australia. The Selecao face the Socceroos in Townsville on September 25, before meeting them again in Brisbane four days later.
The five-time world champions then travel to Kolkata on October 3 for their first match ever played in India, where Brazil have a vast support base.
Brazil squad
- Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otavio
- Defenders: Arthur Dias, Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos, Jair, Matheuzinho, Maurio Junior, Vitor Reis
- Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Andrey Santos, Danilo Santos, Dougals Luiz, Breno Bidon, Gabriel Bontempo
- Forwards: Endrick, Joao Pedro, Estevao, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinicius Junior
