Ancelotti names young Brazil squad for Japan and Singapore friendlies

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his 26-man squad on Thursday for the friendlies against Japan and Singapore on November 14 and 17. These matches will be Brazil's final fixtures of 2026 and follow the team's elimination in the World Cup round of sixteen by Norway.

The list includes five debutants and several players who had previously represented Brazil but had never been called up by Ancelotti. Goalkeepers named are Bento, Lucas Perri and Pedro Morisco. The defensive options include Gabriel Magalhães, Arthur Dias, Jair Cunha, Jonathan Jesus and Vitor Reis.

“This is a period to focus more on what we have to do than on the quality of the opponents. It is a team renewal project. It is about seeking a new generation.”

Full-backs called up are Wesley, Carlos Augusto, Douglas Santos and Vanderson. Midfielders selected are Bruno Guimarães, André Luiz, Andrey Santos, Danilo, Gabriel Bontempo, João Gomes and Marlon Gomes.

The forward line features Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Allan, Alisson Santana, Endrick, Estêvão and Rayan. Ancelotti described the selection as balanced and young, noting fifteen players are under twenty-three years old and nine are of Olympic age.

The coach said five players from the last World Cup form the team's backbone: Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Bruno Guimarães, Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha. He also stated that the commission is monitoring young players even if they do not play regularly for their clubs.

Brazil previously drew one-one with Australia, won four-two against the same opponent, and beat India four-zero in the September and October friendlies.