Rio de Janeiro (EFE).- Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti called up forwards Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo, his former players at Real Madrid, for this month’s friendly matches against Japan and South Korea, in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
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Vinícius was not called up for Brazil’s last two matches in the World Cup qualifiers, against Chile and Bolivia, because he had to serve a suspension, and Rodrygo had not been taken into account by Ancelotti until now due to his various physical problems.
Ancelotti prioritizes Europeans in squad list for friendlies
The Italian coach explained that his list of 26 players called up for the friendlies is not definitive because he had many limitations due to players who were injured.
He also said that he gave priority to players who play for European clubs because they will have fewer travel difficulties and time differences to travel to Asia.
From Brazilian clubs, he only called up goalkeeper Hugo Souza, from Corinthians, and defender Fabrício Bruno, from Cruzeiro.
He clarified, however, that his intention is not to do tests in the friendlies because “there is nothing left to invent in football” and because he has to think about the team with which he will play the World Cup.
The excluded due to injuries stood out in the list of those called up.
Injuries hit the call-up: Alisson and Andrey Santos out
In addition to Raphinha, Alexsandro Ribeiro and Marquinhos, whose clubs had already informed the Brazilian Football Confederation that their injuries would prevent them from being fit, this week Andrey Santos and goalkeeper Alisson were added to the list of absences, who went under the care of the doctors after this week’s matches of Chelsea and Liverpool.
Éder Militão, who was substituted in the first half of the derby between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, was also doubtful due to muscle problems, but Ancelotti said that, after having spoken with him on the phone, he believes that he is in condition.
Regarding Rodrygo, he stated that, although he hasn’t had many opportunities in the recent Real Madrid matches, when he has played, he has done very well and has shown that he is in very good physical condition.
“He is very motivated and is a very important player for the team because he has outstanding technical characteristics. He can play in all positions as a forward,” said the coach.
Ancelotti defines schedule: Korea and Japan, first rivals
In their first two preparatory matches for next year’s World Cup, Brazil will visit South Korea in Seoul on October 10th, and four days later they will face Japan in Tokyo.
The Canarinha still has two other friendlies scheduled this year, in November, probably against African teams, which it will face in London and Paris.
In March 2026, on the next FIFA date, the intention is to face two elite European teams, according to the coach.
The match against Korea will be the fifth since Ancelotti took over as the Brazilian coach last May. In the previous four, all for the qualifiers, he achieved two victories, a draw, and a defeat, during the visit to Bolivia in El Alto.
List of call-ups — Brazil
Official call-up | Friendlies October-November
CANARINHA
Goalkeepers
BentoAl-Nassr (SAU)
EdersonFenerbahçe (TUR)
Hugo SouzaCorinthians (BRA)
Defenders
Caio HenriqueMónaco (FRA)
Carlos AugustoInter (ITA)
Douglas SantosZénit (RUS)
Éder MilitãoReal Madrid (ESP)
Fabricio BrunoCruzeiro (BRA)
Gabriel MagalhãesArsenal (ENG)
Lucas BeraldoPSG (FRA)
VandersonMónaco (FRA)
WesleyRoma (ITA)
Midfielders
AndréWolverhampton (ENG)
Bruno GuimarãesNewcastle (ENG)
CasemiroManchester United (ENG)
João GomesWolverhampton (ENG)
JoelintonNewcastle (ENG)
Lucas PaquetáWest Ham (ENG)
Forwards
EstevãoChelsea (ENG)
Gabriel MartinelliArsenal (ENG)
Igor JesusNottingham Forest (ENG)
Luiz HenriqueZénit (RUS)
Matheus CunhaManchester United (ENG)
RicharlisonTottenham (ENG)
RodrygoReal Madrid (ESP)
Vinícius JúniorReal Madrid (ESP)
