Brazil Begin Post-World Cup Rebuild as Ancelotti Recalls João Pedro, Raphinha
Brazil Begin Post-World Cup Rebuild as Ancelotti Recalls João Pedro, Raphinha
Brazil have begun a new phase under coach Carlo Ancelotti following their early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Chelsea striker João Pedro and Barcelona captain Raphinha included in the squad for upcoming international friendlies.
Ancelotti on Wednesday announced a 26-man squad for three matches against Australia and India. João Pedro, who was left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad, returns alongside Raphinha, while eight players received their first senior call-ups as the coach begins preparations for the next international cycle.
Brazil will face Australia twice, on September 25 in Townsville and September 29 in Brisbane, before meeting India on October 3 in Kolkata. The match against India will be Brazil’s first senior international meeting with the country.
The matches fall within FIFA’s extended international window, which runs from September 21 to October 6, 2026. The 16-day window allows national teams to play up to four matches and combines the traditional September and October international breaks.
The new-look squad signals Ancelotti’s focus on developing younger players while retaining established figures such as Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior and Marquinhos as Brazil begin preparations for the next major international cycle.
