Five-time world champions Brazil will begin a new phase of their international campaign with a tour of Asia during the September-October international window. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named a strong 26-man squad for three friendly matches against Australia and India as he looks to rebuild the side following their disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup at the last-16 stage.
The squad was announced by the Brazilian Football Confederation on Tuesday night, with several of the country’s leading attacking players included. Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha are among the headline names, while Estêvão and Wesley have also been recalled after missing the World Cup because of injuries.
The selection reflects a mixture of established international figures and younger players, underlining Brazil’s intention to assess different options as Ancelotti shapes the team for the next phase of his tenure. The Asian tour will provide an opportunity to test those players in international competition while working on the tactical approach the new coach wants to establish.
One of the most striking features of the squad is the goalkeeping department. Brazil have opted not to include an experienced goalkeeper, instead placing their trust in a younger group. Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco and Otávio are the three goalkeepers selected for the tour.
That decision could make the forthcoming friendlies particularly significant for the players involved. Goalkeepers are often required to provide stability and organisation from the back, and the absence of a senior option means the younger selections could receive greater responsibility during the matches.
Brazil’s defensive options include established names such as Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos, alongside Douglas Santos, Jair, Matheuzinho, Mauro Júnior, Vitor Reis and Wesley. Arthur Dias completes the defensive group listed in the squad.
There is also a blend of experience and youth in midfield. Bruno Guimarães and Douglas Luiz are among the more familiar names, while André Santos, Breno Bidon, Danilo Santos and Gabriel Bontempo are also included.
The forward line contains considerable attacking potential. Alongside Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha, Brazil have selected Endrick, Estêvão, João Pedro, Pedro, Ryan and Samuel Lino. The variety of options should allow Ancelotti to assess different combinations during the three-match schedule.
Brazil squad for the Australia and India matches
Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otávio.
Defenders: Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhães, Jair, Marquinhos, Matheuzinho, Mauro Júnior, Vitor Reis, Wesley.
Midfielders: André Santos, Breno Bidon, Bruno Guimarães, Danilo Santos, Douglas Luiz, Gabriel Bontempo.
Forwards: Endrick, Estêvão, João Pedro, Pedro, Raphinha, Ryan, Samuel Lino, Vinícius Júnior.
For Brazil, the tour comes at a time when the national side is attempting to move beyond the disappointment of the World Cup. Ancelotti’s challenge is not simply to produce positive results in friendly matches, but to develop a squad capable of combining Brazil’s established attacking tradition with a more coherent structure.
The matches against Australia and India will therefore offer valuable opportunities to assess players in a competitive international environment. The inclusion of several young footballers also suggests that the rebuilding process will involve testing the next generation alongside established stars.
The goalkeeping selections will be watched particularly closely, while the return of Estêvão and Wesley gives Ancelotti further options to assess after their absence from the World Cup.
With Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and a promising group of younger forwards available, Brazil possess significant attacking resources. The Asian tour will provide the first substantial opportunity for Ancelotti to experiment with those options and begin shaping a side capable of responding to the setbacks of the previous campaign.
