Ancelotti calls Vinícius and Rodrygo for Brazil vs. Japan and Korea friendlies

The Brazilian coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has revealed the list of players called up for the national team’s upcoming friendlies, marking the beginning of preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Among the prominent names are Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo, both formerly coached by Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Vinícius Jr. returns to the squad after serving a suspension that prevented him from participating in the last qualifying matches. For his part, Rodrygo, who has had to deal with physical problems, is once again considered by the Italian coach.

Priority to European Players

Ancelotti has prioritized players who play in European clubs for this call-up. He explained that this decision is due to the limitations imposed by the injuries of some players and to facilitate transfers and time zone adaptation in Asia. From Brazilian clubs, only goalkeeper Hugo Souza, from Corinthians, and defender Fabrício Bruno, from Cruzeiro, were called up.

“There’s nothing left to invent in football.”

Carlo Ancelotti

The coach clarified that he has no intention of conducting tests in these friendlies, as his focus is on building the team that will compete in the World Cup.

Injury Absences

The list of those called up has been affected by injuries to several key players.

• Raphinha
• Alexsandro Ribeiro
• Marquinhos

Andrey Santos and goalkeeper Alisson, who are recovering from injuries at their respective clubs, were added to these. Éder Militão, despite being doubtful due to muscular problems, was confirmed by Ancelotti after a telephone conversation. Regarding Rodrygo, the coach highlighted his good performance and his importance to the team, emphasizing his technical qualities and his ability to play in different attacking positions.

Friendly Match Calendar

Brazil will face South Korea in Seoul on October 10 and Japan in Tokyo four days later, in their first preparatory matches for the World Cup. In addition, two more friendlies are planned in November, possibly against African teams, in London and Paris. In March 2026, the intention is to face two elite European teams. This will be Ancelotti’s fifth match in charge of the Brazilian national team, after taking over the position last May, with a record of two wins, one draw and one defeat in the qualifiers.

List of those summoned

Goalkeepers

• Bento (Al-Nassr)
• Ederson (Fenerbahçe)
• Hugo Souza (Corinthians)

Defenses

• Caio Henrique (Monaco)
• Carlos Augusto (Inter)
• Douglas Santos (Zenit)
• Éder Militão (Real Madrid)
• Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro)
• Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
• Lucas Beraldo (PSG)
• Vanderson (Monaco)
• Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders

• André (Wolverhampton)
• Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle)
• Casemiro (Manchester United)
• João Gomes (Wolverhampton)
• Joelinton (Newcastle)
• Lucas Paquetá (West Ham)

Forwards

• Estevão (Chelsea)
• Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
• Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest)
• Luiz Henrique (Zénit)
• Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)
• Richarlison (Tottenham)
• Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
• Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)