Brazil are beginning another rebuilding phase, with their sights firmly set on the 2030 World Cup. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to use the team’s upcoming international fixtures to assess emerging players and shape a squad capable of challenging for a sixth world title.
Brazil are scheduled to play three friendlies across September and October. They will face Australia in Townsville on 25 September before meeting the same opponents again in Brisbane on 29 September. Their final fixture will come against India in Kolkata on 3 October.
The need for renewal has been sharpened by Brazil’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. They were eliminated after a 2–1 defeat by Norway, failing to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1990. The result has increased the pressure to develop a new generation capable of restoring Brazil to the highest level of international football.
With that in mind, FIFA has highlighted 10 players aged 25 or under who have already represented Brazil but were not included in the 2026 World Cup squad. They could become important figures in the next phase of the national team.
Estevão
At just 19, Estevão is already regarded as one of Brazil’s promising young attacking players. An injury prevented him from appearing at the 2026 World Cup, but he remains part of Ancelotti’s wider plans. He has scored five goals in 11 appearances for Brazil so far.
Vitor Reis
The 20-year-old centre-back spent time on loan at Girona, where he produced encouraging performances. He has since returned to Manchester City and will be looking to establish himself at club level while competing for a future role in Brazil’s defence.
Caique Bruno
The 23-year-old left-back attracted attention with his performances for Cruzeiro. He is due to spend the new season on loan at Como in Italy, where he will work under former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fàbregas.
Wesley
Wesley, 22, also missed the 2026 World Cup because of injury. He has been viewed as a potential long-term option for Brazil. Although he has been playing on the left for Roma, his natural position is right-back, giving the national team another versatile defensive option.
Andrey Santos
The 22-year-old midfielder struggled for regular opportunities at Chelsea, which affected his form. He is now playing for Manchester United and will hope that consistent club football can help him return to the international picture.
João Pedro
João Pedro enjoyed an impressive campaign with Chelsea, scoring 15 goals in the Premier League. Despite that club form, the 24-year-old forward is still waiting for his first international goal after eight appearances for Brazil.
João Gomes
The 25-year-old midfielder maintained his reputation despite Wolves’ relegation. He is now set to join Aston Villa, where another strong season could strengthen his case for a regular place in the Brazil squad.
Kaio Jorge
Kaio Jorge, 24, has established himself as a prolific striker in Brazilian football. He finished as the leading scorer in the Brazilian league in 2025, making his goalscoring record one of the main reasons he remains in contention for international selection.
Vitor Roque
Vitor Roque’s spell at Barcelona did not produce the impact many expected, but the forward has returned to Brazil and is scoring regularly for Palmeiras. His ability to regain confidence and form could make him an important attacking option for the national side.
Igor Jesus
At 25, Igor Jesus has already demonstrated his goalscoring ability in English football. He scored 16 goals during his first season with Nottingham Forest, a return that has kept him in the conversation surrounding Brazil’s next generation of forwards.
The 10 players represent different parts of Brazil’s rebuilding project. Some have already experienced European football, while others are attempting to establish themselves after periods of limited opportunities or injury. Their development over the next few seasons could determine how much depth Brazil have when the 2030 World Cup arrives.
For Ancelotti, the task will be to combine this emerging generation with established players and create a balanced squad. The forthcoming friendlies should provide valuable opportunities to assess potential combinations and identify players capable of making the step up.
Brazil’s failure to reach the quarter-finals in 2026 has created a clear need for renewal. The next four years will show whether these young players can develop into the core of a side capable of restoring Brazil’s status as a genuine World Cup contender.
