Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has recalled Chelsea striker João Pedro and Barcelona captain Raphinha as he begins rebuilding the national team after their disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.
The Brazilian Football Confederation announced a 26-man squad on Wednesday for upcoming friendly matches against Australia and India. The games will give Ancelotti a chance to assess new players and begin preparations for the team’s next major tournaments.
Raphinha missed the World Cup because of injury, while João Pedro was one of the notable forwards left out of Brazil’s squad for the tournament. Both players now return as Ancelotti looks to build a younger and stronger team.
The new squad includes several key players, such as Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, Chelsea youngster Estêvão, Tottenham forward Rayan and Atlético Madrid attacker Samuel Lino. Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães also remain part of the team.
Brazil have also introduced several new faces. Goalkeeper Pedro Morisco, defenders Arthur Dias and Jair, midfielder Breno Bidon and Gabriel Bontempo are among eight players who did not feature in the World Cup squad.
Neymar is absent after indicating that he would end his international career following the World Cup. Ancelotti said the friendly matches will help him identify young players who can play important roles in Brazil’s future.
“With these three friendly matches, we will begin a new cycle to project the National Team towards the goals of the coming years,” Ancelotti said, according to the Brazilian federation.
Brazil are now looking ahead to the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup. Ancelotti hopes the new generation can help the five-time world champions return to the top of international football.
