When Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian veteran who left Real Madrid last summer, announced Brazil's next roster on October 2, 2025, the move sparked fresh debate ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Brazil national football team will face South Korea on October 10 at Seoul World Cup Stadium, then travel to Japan for a second friendly on October 14 at Ajinomoto Stadium. The selections, injuries and tactical tweaks could shape the final 28‑man list for the tournament in North America.
Squad Overview and Notable Inclusions
Ancelotti’s third‑round call‑up features a blend of seasoned internationals and Premier League regulars. Vinícius Júnior, the 24‑year‑old Real Madrid winger, returns after serving a suspension, while the striking duo of Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur) and Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest) cement the forward line. The midfield is a pure English‑league showcase: Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United), João Pedro (Fulham), and Douglas Santos (Everton) all earn caps.
Injuries and Absences That Shape the Lineup
The biggest name missing is Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s shot‑stopper, who suffered a knock in the Champions League clash with Galatasaray on October 2. Neymar remains sidelined with a lingering thigh strain, keeping the iconic No. 10 out of both games. Raphinha (Real Madrid) was also omitted, a decision Ancelotti defended publicly, saying the squad needed “balance and form, not just star power.”
Midfield Dominated by Premier League Talent
Every player listed in the central midfield comes from England’s top flight – a pattern that hints at Ancelotti’s trust in the league’s tempo and tactical discipline. The decision echoes his time at Chelsea, where he first learned to blend continental flair with the English game’s intensity. Analysts from ESPN noted on October 3 that Brazil’s defensive record – just one goal conceded in the last four outings – owes much to the disciplined positioning of these Premier League midfielders.
What the Friendlies Mean for World Cup Preparations
Both fixtures are essentially dress rehearsals. The Seoul showdown against the hosts will test Brazil’s ability to adapt to a high‑pressing Asian side, while the Tokyo match offers a chance to experiment with different striking combinations before the final selection deadline in March 2026. If Vinícius can rediscover his “lightning‑fast” form against Japan, he may solidify a starting berth beside Matheus Cunha (Atlético Madrid) for the World Cup’s No. 9 slot.
Historical Context: Ancelotti's Tactical Shift
Since taking over in the summer of 2025, Ancelotti has overseen four games: two wins, one draw and a loss to Bolivia that ended Brazil’s qualifying run. The Italian’s signature calm‑by‑the‑coast approach contrasts sharply with the attacking fireworks of the past. Under his guidance, Brazil’s back line – anchored by Marquinhos (Paris Saint‑Germain) and Éder Militão (Real Madrid) – has become tighter, conceding a single penalty‑converted goal in recent matches.
Legendary former striker Ronaldo Nazário reportedly warned Ancelotti in a terse ten‑word message to “handle Neymar carefully, the world watches.” While the exact wording remains private, the sentiment underscores the pressure on the Italian to balance star power with squad harmony.
With the 2026 tournament expanding to 48 teams, Brazil qualified comfortably, freeing Ancelotti to focus on polishing the attacking puzzle rather than fighting for a spot. The upcoming friendlies, followed by November 2025 and March 2026 matches, will likely decide who wears the coveted No. 9 jersey when the Selecão steps onto North American soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Alisson Becker missing the October friendlies?
Alisson suffered a shoulder injury during Liverpool’s Champions League match against Galatasaray on October 2, 2025. The medical team ruled him out of both the South Korea and Japan games to avoid aggravating the problem.
How many Premier League players are in Ancelotti’s squad?
Eleven players from England’s top division feature: Vinícius Júnior, Richarlison, Igor Jesus, Lucas Paquetá, João Pedro, Douglas Santos, Kaio Jorge, Everton’s defender Gabriel, Fulham’s midfielder João Gomes, West Ham’s full‑back Alex Telles, and Newcastle’s Joelinton.
What does Brazil hope to achieve in the Seoul and Tokyo friendlies?
The matches serve as tactical rehearsals. Ancelotti wants to test formations against high‑pressing Asian sides, assess the fitness of returning stars like Vinícius, and lock down the striker hierarchy before the final World Cup squad is named.
Which player is most likely to claim the No. 9 role for the World Cup?
Richarlison, João Pedro, and Matheus Cunha are the front‑runners. Their form in the October friendlies will tip the scales, with Richarlison’s experience and Cunha’s European pedigree both weighing heavily in Ancelotti’s decision.
When will the final Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup be announced?
Ancelotti has slated the definitive roster for early March 2026, after the final set of international friendlies in November 2025 and March 2026 provide a full picture of player form and fitness.
Fahri Setiawan
Halo, nama saya Fahri Setiawan. Saya adalah seorang ahli dalam bidang judi dan permainan online. Saya sangat menyukai menulis tentang berbagai macam permainan, baik itu video game, permainan kartu, atau permainan kasino. Saya telah menghabiskan bertahun-tahun untuk mempelajari dan menguasai berbagai jenis permainan serta strategi yang terbaik untuk memenangkannya. Melalui tulisan saya, saya ingin berbagi pengetahuan dan pengalaman saya untuk membantu para pemain, baik yang baru atau yang sudah berpengalaman, untuk meningkatkan keahlian mereka dalam perjudian dan permainan.
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