Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti named a 26-man squad featuring five uncapped newcomers for the Seleção’s final international fixtures of 2026, omitting forward Neymar from the roster. Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior and Barcelona forward Raphinha head the squad for the upcoming friendlies in Asia, fussballnationalmannschaft.net reported.
Asian Tour Fixtures at Singapore National Stadium
The Brazilian team will travel to Singapore to play two matches as part of the Mizuho Blue Challenge. Brazil faces Japan on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 11:15 a.m. German time (CET) at the Singapore National Stadium. Three days later on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, the squad plays host nation Singapore at 11:00 a.m. CET at the same venue.
The fixture against Japan marks a rematch of the round of 16 encounter from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Brazil secured a 2–1 victory. Ancelotti emphasized the challenge posed by the Asian side, stating that Japan is an opponent they must fight hard to defeat.
Five Uncapped Debutants Highlight Squad Selection
The roster announcement at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) headquarters in Rio de Janeiro introduced five players receiving their first senior call-ups. Shakhtar Donetsk provides a duo in 21-year-old Alisson Santana and 22-year-old Marlon Gomes, both of whom have established themselves as regular starters since joining the Ukrainian club. Marlon Gomes has accumulated 90 competitive appearances with 10 goals and 11 assists, while Alisson Santana has recorded 50 appearances with 11 goals and 18 assists.
The remaining debutants include 22-year-old defender Jonathan Jesus from Cruzeiro, 29-year-old midfielder André from Corinthians, and 22-year-old midfielder Allan from Manchester City. Ancelotti noted the distinct qualities within the group, highlighting Jonathan Jesus as a fast, aggressive, and intelligent defender, and pointing to Marlon Gomes’s dynamism.
Rebuilding Strategy and Squad Absences
Vinicius Junior enters the roster as the squad’s most valuable player with a market valuation of 130 million euros, alongside fellow Real Madrid forward Endrick, Chelsea winger Estêvão, and Bournemouth forward Rayan. Estêvão returns to the national team setup after recovering from an injury that forced him to miss the 2026 World Cup. Describing the ongoing transition, Ancelotti stated that the project is a team project aimed at building a new generation.
The CBF decided to exclude players from Flamengo and Palmeiras to protect both clubs during the decisive phase of the Brazilian championship title race. Palmeiras also reached the final of the Copa Libertadores, prompting head coach Abel Ferreira to request his full squad. Chelsea forward João Pedro and Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos miss out due to injuries.
Goalkeeper Rotation and Future Schedule
Ancelotti maintained his rotation in goal by selecting Bento of Al-Nassr and Lucas Perri of Torino, both previously called up in March. Coritiba goalkeeper Pedro Morisco, who debuted in October against India, retains his place in the squad. National team coordinator Rodrigo Caetano announced plans to schedule friendlies against European opponents in March and June 2027.
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