Desk Report:
Brazil will play two friendly matches against South Korea and Japan this month as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Seleção head coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced a 26-man squad for the two matches. Vinicius Junior has been returned to the team. Neymar’s wait for a return is not over yet.
Ancelotti did not keep him in the team due to a thigh injury. Neymar last played in a Brazil jersey in October 2023. After that, the star forward was dropped from the team due to an injury. He has not returned to the team in the last two years. In between, he has played several matches for his club. Neymar was injured again when the national team match came.
Vinicius, who returned to the team, was not in the squad for the last two matches of the World Cup qualifiers. It did not take long for the Real Madrid winger to return. Like Vinicius, Rodrygo Goes has also been returned to the team. Ancelotti has announced his team three times since becoming Brazil’s head coach in May. This is the first time Rodrygo has been included in his announced team. The forward has a great relationship with the former Real Madrid coach.
Although Vinicius and Rodrygo are back, Rafinha and Alisson have not been included in the squad for the South Korea and Japan matches. They are all out of the field due to injuries. Brazil will play against South Korea in Seoul on October 10. The five-time world champions will host Japan in Tokyo on October 14.
Brazil squad:
Goalkeepers: Ederson, Bento, Hugo Souza
Defenders: Carlos Augusto, Eder Militao, Caio Henrique, Vandersohn, Douglas Santos, Fabricio Bruno, Gabriel Magalhaes, Beraldo.
Midfielders: Andre, Bruno Guimarães, Jolint, Casemiro, Joao Gomes, Lucas Paqueta.
Forwards: Estevao, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Jesus, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior.
