Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his squad Thursday for the national team’s friendlies against Japan and Singapore in November, once again leaning heavily toward youth as the five-time world champions continue rebuilding following a disappointing World Cup.
Brazil will play friendlies in Singapore against Japan on Nov. 14 and three days later against the hosts. Overall, the squad includes nine players of Olympic age and 15 under 23, signaling an aggressive push toward generational renewal.
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“During this period leading up to 2027, we must carry out this work to find a clear direction,” Ancelotti told reporters. “I believe that by the first friendly matches of 2028, as the [World Cup] qualifiers begin and preparations for the Copa América get underway, we’ll have a more established team.
“We need to make the most of 2027 to carry out this renewal.”
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is among the veterans from the World Cup round-of-16 exit who were again left out by Ancelotti.
“We don’t need to test Alisson [for example],” the former Real Madrid coach said. “We know him very well. He is the best goalkeeper.
“When the Copa América begins, he will be called up, and it’s the same for the others. Right now, it’s time to observe, refresh the squad, and help young players reach their full potential.”
Chelsea attacker Estêvão has retained his place in the squad, despite the 19-year-old starting just two games for Chelsea so far this season under new coach Xabi Alonso.
“We hope he can show all the quality he has,” Ancelotti added. “We will keep an eye on him. Even if he doesn’t play a single minute for Chelsea, we will continue to monitor him, at least until the point where we decide he won’t be useful to the national team.
“As long as we believe he could be useful to the national team, we will follow his progress, allowing him the opportunity to develop at a natural pace, as it’s appropriate for a 19-year-old. Our objectives are different from those of Chelsea.”
To accommodate domestic clubs in tight championship races, the coaching staff opted to bypass players from teams directly contending for domestic titles, leaving major teams like Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Atlético Mineiro unrepresented.
Brazil Squad:
Goalkeepers: Bento (Al Nassr), Lucas Perri (Torino), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba)
Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico Paranaense), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Jair Cunha (Nottingham Forest), Jonathan Jesus (Cruzeiro), Vanderson (Monaco), Vitor Reis (Manchester City), Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders: André (Corinthians), Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Bruno Guimarães (Arsenal), Danilo (Botafogo), Gabriel Bontempo (Santos), João Gomes (Aston Villa), Marlon Gomes (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Forwards: Alisson Santana (Shakhtar Donetsk), Allan (Manchester City), Estêvão (Chelsea), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Endrick and VinÃcius Júnior (both Real Madrid)
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
