Carlo Ancelotti Begins Major Brazil Overhaul, Drops Liverpool's Alisson from Squad

Carlo Ancelotti Starts Fresh with Brazil Squad

Carlo Ancelotti has announced a new Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India, leaving out several veterans including Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. The Italian coach is focusing on younger players as he looks ahead to the 2030 World Cup.

Focus on Youth After World Cup Disappointment

Following a disappointing exit in the round of 16 at the World Cup against Norway, Ancelotti is reshaping the team. He named a youthful lineup for the upcoming matches, omitting well-known names like Alisson, midfielders Casemiro and Fabinho, and Neymar, who recently retired from international duty.

The manager is targeting players who could be eligible for the 2028 Olympics, aiming to build a foundation for the next decade of Brazilian football.

"The World Cup was a disappointment for us and for me personally," Ancelotti said, according to ESPN. "The pain of the defeat lingers much longer. Now, however, we are motivated by the fact that we have time to prepare for a new cycle and get ready for the upcoming competitions."

He explained his decision to change the goalkeeping choices: "We know Alisson very well, and when competitions like the Copa America come, if he remains the best goalkeeper in Brazil, Alisson will play. Right now, however, we have to prioritise the younger ones."

Experienced Players Remain to Guide the New Generation

Despite the cuts, some senior players stay to provide leadership. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and Barcelona's Raphinha will lead the attack alongside Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, returning after missing the World Cup. Defenders Marquinhos from Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal newcomer Bruno Guimaraes also remain in the squad.

"I chose these players to help with this change in direction," Ancelotti said. "They are crucial for the future and will help the younger players improve. One thing is certain: a player who is 34 or 35 years old isn’t the future; they are the present. If a player of that age is ready to play in a major tournament, they will be in the national squad."

Upcoming Historic Friendlies

The revamped Brazil team will travel first to Australia for two friendlies, facing the Socceroos in Townsville on September 25, then again in Brisbane four days later. Afterward, Brazil will play their first-ever match in India on October 3 in Kolkata, where millions of fans eagerly await the five-time world champions.

Brazil Squad List:

• Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otavio
• Defenders: Arthur Dias, Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos, Jair, Matheuzinho, Maurio Junior, Vitor Reis
• Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Andrey Santos, Danilo Santos, Dougals Luiz, Breno Bidon, Gabriel Bontempo
• Forwards: Endrick, Joao Pedro, Estevao, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinicius Junior

Friendlies Schedule:

• Australia vs Brazil - 25 September 2026, 12:00