Carlo Ancelotti announced the Brazil squad with many new faces for the final stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America, against Chile and Bolivia.

These are simply matches for Ancelotti to test, because Brazil has officially won a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

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Neymar and Rodrygo's absence is the story of interest. Photo: EFE

There are many questions regarding the absence of Neymar and Rodrygo, who has just returned to the starting lineup for Real Madrid after a long time on the bench.

“The idea of ​​this call-up is to get to know the players I have not worked with yet. Although I know them from a technical point of view, I want to know more about those who can help the team,” Ancelotti said.

“The players who are not here this time did very well in the previous call-up and I thank them,” he explained.

Neymar was absent with a small problem last week, we didn't need to test him.

Everyone knows who Neymar is. We need him to be in top physical condition to be able to contribute at the World Cup.

I like Rodrygo a lot, he had a great game for Real Madrid. It was his first game in a long time. Now he needs time to prepare well and return to the team.

The most important criterion is physical condition. A player selected for the national team must be 100% fit .

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Ancelotti at a press conference announcing the Brazil squad. Photo: CBF

When asked more about the two, he confirmed that he had not spoken to anyone: "If they want to explain, they can call me. Rodrygo certainly has my number, and I think Neymar does too."

“The squad needs to have a fixed framework with very important players, from which I can add others with potential for the future,” Ancelotti said when asked about some new faces.

Coach Ancelotti did not call up Real Madrid players, because they had almost no time off in the summer when participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

On the contrary, Raphinha was chosen to lead the attack line which had many new elements, notably Kaio Jorge - the number one striker of the Brazilian National Championship.

Brazil team roster

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians).

Defenders: Alexsandro (Lille) Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabrizio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Roma).

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle) Casemiro (MU), Joelinton (Newcastle) Lucas Paqueta (West Ham).

Strikers: Estevao (Chelsea), Martinelli (Arsenal), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (MU), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham).

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/ancelotti-giai-thich-loai-neymar-va-rodrygo-khoi-doi-tuyen-brazil-2436081.html