Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s head coach, announced the squad for the two friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia on November 15 and 18, respectively, and answered questions from the Brazilian media.
Carlo Ancelotti expanded on several key themes while addressing the latest Brazil call ups, offering clarity on squad hierarchy, expectations for the coming international window against Senegal and Tunisia on 15 and 18 November, and the road map toward the 2026 World Cup list.
The most sensitive topic concerned Vinícius Júnior after his visible frustration at being substituted in the Real Madrid vs Barcelona match. Ancelotti emphasized that the national team maintains a professional and respectful relationship with the winger, the same standard applied to all players. According to the coach, the matter was handled directly with the player, who recognized his mistake and issued an apology. Ancelotti underlined that the episode is closed. He described Vinícius as essential to the project, a difference maker who contributes in transition, one on one situations, and finishing phases. He also drew a firm line between his role as national coach and the player’s private life. The message was to keep focus on performance, availability, and collective goals.
The coach also explained the reasoning behind calling up players from Palmeiras and Flamengo for this two match block. Brazil is entering a phase where combinations and chemistry need to be tested quickly. The calendar is congested, but the priority is the national team during this FIFA period. Ancelotti believes certain profiles from these clubs can help immediately. He highlighted Vitor Roque as a forward with mobility, pressing energy, and penalty box instincts who can complement Brazil’s wide talent. Flamengo provides familiarity with pressure, big match tempo, and tactical flexibility, attributes that can translate well when matches turn tight.
Neymar’s situation remains in a holding pattern. The forward has only recently returned from injury and is not part of this squad. Ancelotti stated that another conversation will happen when there is a clearer view on Neymar’s continuity of training and minutes. The door remains open, but the selection depends on consistent availability and the ability to sustain high intensity work across the window. This stance fits into a wider principle the coach outlined on physical condition. He might bring a player who is short of his best for the first or second friendly if the staff believes that by the World Cup the player can be at full intensity. However, he will not commit to anyone who cannot meet the physical and tactical demands across an entire tournament. The emphasis is on resilience, repeat sprint capacity, and tactical concentration over ninety plus minutes and across multiple matches in quick succession.
Two defensive call ups received particular attention. Alex Sandro, when fit, remains a left back with experience and personality, capable of controlling his flank and contributing to the first phase of buildup. Ancelotti views him as one of the best options available at that position when he is at a strong physical level. Danilo’s case is different. The coach values his unique versatility. He can cover right back, left back, and both center back roles. That multi role capacity brings roster flexibility for tournament football, where injuries, suspensions, and in match adjustments often force quick changes. Ancelotti also praised Danilo’s leadership and calm decision making, qualities that help stabilize defensive lines and guide younger teammates through pressure moments.
Beyond individual names, the staff is using these friendlies to refine two or three tactical structures that can be switched game to game. The base remains a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 with aggressive wingers like Vinícius and Rodrygo, supported by a midfield that can both protect transitions and add vertical passing. Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá offer complementary profiles. Bruno can anchor or operate as a right sided interior who breaks lines with diagonals. Paquetá can connect midfield to attack between lines. Casemiro and Fabinho bring screening, set piece strength, and aerial presence. The staff will look closely at the balance of a single pivot against opponents who overload central pockets, and a double pivot when ball security and counter press control become the priority.
At center back, the presence of Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Éder Militão, and Fabrício Bruno offers a blend of anticipation, pace recovery, and physical dueling. Full backs will be chosen to match the plan for each opponent. If Brazil wants narrower wingers attacking half spaces, the full backs must provide width and quality in early crosses. If the idea is to hold a slightly lower block before springing transitions, full backs will be asked to protect the weak side and dominate aerial switches.
Up front, competition is intentional. Estêvão and João Pedro arrive with club momentum and different tendencies. Estêvão carries the ball with tempo shifts and can invert inside to shoot. João Pedro adds link play and penalty area timing. Matheus Cunha can operate as a forward who drifts to combine, while Richarlison offers box presence and pressing triggers. The staff will test combinations to see which pairings most naturally enhance Vinícius and Rodrygo. Cross functional forwards remain crucial in a tournament context, since they allow Ancelotti to adjust between a more direct approach and a patient possession structure without wholesale changes.
The coach made it clear that the definitive World Cup list will crystallize over the next six months. The March FIFA window is particularly important as it provides a final high level reference for selection. Injuries will inevitably influence choices, so depth charts are being built at every line with two and often three options. Between now and then, match minutes, continuity, and tactical fit will weigh as heavily as pure talent.
The current call ups reflect this logic. In goal, Bento, Ederson, and Hugo Souza form a group that balances shot stopping, distribution, and command of the box. In defense, the variety is evident with Alex Sandro, Caio Henrique, Danilo, Éder Militão, Fabrício Bruno, Gabriel Magalhães, Luciano Juba, Marquinhos, Paulo Henrique, and Wesley. In midfield, Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Fabinho, and Lucas Paquetá cover all midfield roles from holding to box to box to creative link. In attack, Estêvão, João Pedro, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr., and Vitor Roque give Brazil width, depth, and finishing power.
Logistically, the staff will monitor workload closely across the two November fixtures. Training loads will be adjusted daily based on GPS data, player feedback, and medical assessments to ensure freshness on match days and safe reintegration when players return to their clubs. Communication lines with club medical and performance departments remain open to align on return to play protocols and to prevent unnecessary setbacks.
There is also a cultural aspect running through Ancelotti’s message. Competition for places is healthy, but the identity of the team is collective. Players are asked to bring their best habits from club football but to accept roles that may differ slightly when wearing the national shirt. Leaders are expected to set standards in training, meetings, and travel. Younger talents are encouraged to be bold on the field while staying attentive to tactical instructions.
Taken together, this camp is about clarity. Clarity on how emotional flashpoints like substitutions are handled internally. Clarity on selection criteria and the non negotiable physical standards required for tournament football. Clarity on tactical templates that can be adapted to opponents without losing Brazil’s attacking personality. The friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia are not just matchdays on the calendar. They are checkpoints that will help determine which profiles lock down places and which combinations give Brazil the best chance to enter the World Cup with a settled spine, sharp wings, and a bench that can change games.
