Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced his 26-man squad for this month’s friendlies against South Korea and Japan, with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo returning but Neymar once again absent through injury.
The five-time world champions will face South Korea in Seoul on 10 October before meeting Japan in Tokyo four days later. The fixtures come as part of Brazil’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, with Ancelotti using the October window to assess options following the conclusion of South American qualifiers.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, has not played for the national side since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023. Although he returned to club football, a fresh thigh injury has now sidelined him until November. His continued absence has fuelled doubts over whether he can feature at the next World Cup, despite optimism from former players.
Real Madrid pair Vinícius and Rodrygo both return after missing recent qualifiers. Vinícius was suspended for one match in September, while Rodrygo has not been called up since March. Éder Militão, who has recovered from a long-term knee injury, is also back in the fold.
However, Ancelotti has omitted several senior names due to fitness concerns, including goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defender Marquinhos and winger Raphinha. Alisson recently came off injured in a Premier League match for Liverpool, while Barcelona confirmed last week that Raphinha faces around three weeks out with a hamstring problem. PSG defender Marquinhos is also sidelined.
“This is not a definitive list for the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “Obviously, many of these players will be there, but the injuries have opened the door for others to show their qualities.”
Since taking charge in May, Ancelotti has overseen four matches, with Brazil winning twice, drawing once and losing once. They currently sit fifth in the South American qualifying table.
Brazil squad
Goalkeepers: Bento, Ederson, Hugo Souza
Defenders: Caio Henrique, Carlos Augusto, Douglas Santos, Éder Militão, Fabrício Bruno, Gabriel Magalhães, Beraldo, Vanderson, Wesley
Midfielders: André, Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Joelinton, João Gomes, Lucas Paquetá
Forwards: Estevão Willian, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Jesus, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior
