Carlo Ancelotti announces first Brazil squad after taking over as head coach

After ending his journey with Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti has embarked on a new adventure, this time in Brazil. The Italian has been appointed as the new head coach of the Brazilian national team. With the European season concluded and players returning home, Ancelotti has announced the 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. His selection includes several new faces, along with the return of experienced midfielder Casemiro.

Carlo Ancelotti’s second stint with Los Blancos officially ended on May 24, following Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad, which secured a second-place finish in La Liga. Xabi Alonso is set to take over as the club’s new manager and has already begun working with the squad. Meanwhile, Ancelotti’s first assignments with Brazil will be against Ecuador on June 5 and Paraguay on June 10. The former Chelsea manager will now fully focus on securing World Cup qualification for the Seleção.

Why is Neymar not part of the squad? What did Carlo Ancelotti say?

While there have been notable inclusions like Antony and Martinelli in the attack, familiar names such as Rodrygo and Neymar are absent from the lineup. Fans were hopeful of Neymar’s return following his comeback to Santos, but Carlo Ancelotti cited the forward’s fitness concerns as the primary reason for his exclusion. Speaking to the media, Ancelotti explained that Neymar has only just returned from injury, and others like Joelinton, Rodrygo, Ederson, and Éder Militão will also be unavailable for the two upcoming matches.

Neymar’s out of the list as he’s just returned from injury. I spoke to Ney and we’ve agreed on this. I trust Neymar, I count on him, we want him to arrive in the best conditions to the World Cup. Joelinton, Rodrygo, Éderson, and Militão are also out due to injury

What does the Brazilian National Team look like?

Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Bento, Hugo Sosa. 

Defenders: Alex Sandro, Ribeiro, Beraldo, Carlos Augusto, Danilo, Ortiz, Marquinhos, Vanderson, Wesley. 

Midfielders: Andreas Pereira, Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Ederson, Gerson. 

Forwards: Antony, Estevão, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Richarlison, Vini Jr.