Brazil’s Star-Studded Squad Set for Friendly Matches Against India and Others
Panaji: Coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed a fresh squad for Brazil’s upcoming friendly matches, showcasing well-known stars and emerging talents. Fans in India can look forward to seeing top players like Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Endrick, Estevao Willian, and Joao Pedro take the field.
Among these players, Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid stands out, as he has been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or for the fifth time. He recently won FIFA’s The Best award in 2024. Marquinhos from PSG and Gabriel Magalhaes from Arsenal are also on the prestigious shortlist. Marquinhos has made a name for himself as captain for both Brazil during the last World Cup and for PSG during their successful Champions League campaigns.
Following a rough outing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Brazil was eliminated by Norway in the round of 16, Ancelotti is looking to revamp the team. The three friendlies scheduled during the FIFA international window from September 21 to October 6 will be a vital opportunity for him to start anew.
The Brazilian team will first face Australia on September 26 and September 29, before making their way to India for a historic friendly in Kolkata on October 3.
However, Indian fans will be disappointed not to see Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer who has netted 80 goals for his country. He will miss these matches after announcing his retirement from international football following the World Cup exit. Even in his club commitments with Al Hilal, an injury has prevented him from traveling to Mumbai for the AFC Champions League clash against Mumbai City.
Here’s the squad for the upcoming friendlies:
Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Cortiba), Otavio (Cruzeiro).
Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico Paranaense), Douglas Santos (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Jair Cunha (Nottingham Forest), Marquinhos (PSG), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Mauro Jr (PSV Eindhoven), Vitor Reis (Manchester City), Wesley (AS Roma).
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal), Danilo (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), Gabriel Bontempo (Santos).
Forwards: Endrick (Real Madrid), Estêvão Willian (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Samuel Lino (Flamengo), Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid).
Fans are excited to witness the talents that will represent Brazil in these friendly games.
