Carlo Ancelotti Begins Major Brazil Team Revamp, Drops Liverpool’s Alisson

Ancelotti Starts Fresh with Brazil Squad for Friendlies

Carlo Ancelotti has announced a major reshuffle of the Brazil national team ahead of upcoming friendly matches against Australia and India. The Italian coach has excluded several established players, including Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, as part of a clear shift towards younger talent to prepare for the 2030 World Cup.

Veteran Players Left Out

The new squad is noticeably youthful, reflecting Ancelotti's commitment to rebuilding after Brazil’s disappointing exit at the round of 16 in the last World Cup against Norway. Aside from Alisson, midfield veterans like Casemiro and Fabinho have been omitted, while Neymar is not included following his recent retirement from international duty.

Ancelotti has targeted players who could compete at the 2028 Olympics, aiming to develop a strong foundation for future tournaments.

Reflections on World Cup Disappointment

"The World Cup was a disappointment for us and for me personally," Ancelotti told ESPN. "The pain of the defeat lingers much longer. Now, however, we are motivated by the fact that we have time to prepare for a new cycle and get ready for the upcoming competitions."

On his decision to change goalkeepers, he said: "We know Alisson very well, and when tournaments like the Copa America come, if he remains the best goalkeeper in Brazil, Alisson will play. Right now, however, we have to prioritise the younger ones."

Experienced Leaders Remain

Despite the overhaul, some senior players have stayed to guide the youth. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and Barcelona winger Raphinha will lead the attack alongside Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, who returns after missing the World Cup. Defenders like Marquinhos from Paris Saint-Germain and new Arsenal signing Bruno Guimaraes also remain as key figures.

"I chose these players to help with this change in direction," Ancelotti explained. "They are crucial for the future and will help the younger players improve. One thing is certain: a player who is 34 or 35 years old isn’t the future; they are the present. If a player of that age is ready to play in a major tournament, they will be in the national squad."

Upcoming Historic Friendlies

The rejuvenated Brazil squad will first face Australia in Townsville on September 25, followed by a second match in Brisbane four days later. Then, Brazil will make history by playing their first-ever match in India on October 3 in Kolkata, where millions of passionate fans await.

Brazil Squad for Friendlies

• Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otavio
• Defenders: Arthur Dias, Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos, Jair, Matheuzinho, Maurio Junior, Vitor Reis
• Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Andrey Santos, Danilo Santos, Dougals Luiz, Breno Bidon, Gabriel Bontempo
• Forwards: Endrick, Joao Pedro, Estevao, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinicius Junior

Schedule of Friendlies

• Date: 25 September 2026
• Match: Australia vs Brazil
• Location: Townsville
• Time: 12:00