Ancelotti announces first Brazilian national soccer team call-up
The Carlo Ancelotti era with the Brazilian national team has officially begun. On Monday afternoon (May 26) in Rio de Janeiro, the coach was formally introduced and announced his first squad. The list features the return of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro and Flamengo full-back Danilo, while Neymar, who is recovering from injury at Santos, was left out.
At a press conference, Ancelotti said he was warmly welcomed in Brazil and that his goal is to lead the national team back to a winning era.
“It’s an honor and a great pride to lead the national team, which is the best in the world. I have a big job ahead to make Brazil champions again. Let’s go together—we need all of you. I’ve been warmly welcomed here. It’s my first time, and I’m very happy. I’m very excited, and I believe we’re going to do a great job,” said the Italian coach.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), and Hugo Souza (Corinthians).
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Alexsandro (Lille), Beraldo (PSG), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Danilo (Flamengo), Léo Ortiz (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Flamengo).
Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), Gerson (Flamengo).
Strikers: Antony (Betis), Estêvão (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid).
Welcoming
The Brazilian Football Confederation is relying on Ancelotti to steer the national team back to success and secure Brazil’s first World Cup victory in 24 years. Photo: Bruno Peres/Agência Brasil
During the ceremony, amid messages from several Brazilian sports personalities, Luiz Felipe Scolari—who led Brazil to its fifth World Cup title in 2002—welcomed the new head coach of the national team.
“It’s a joy, a privilege, and a great happiness to be with you. We wish you all the best. Stay true to the person you’ve always been, and you’ll achieve in Brazil everything you’ve achieved throughout your life. All the best—for you and for our Brazil.”
Among the prominent Brazilian soccer legends who sent welcome messages to Ancelotti were Zico, Bebeto, Gérson “Canhotinha de Ouro,” and Rivelino.
As the most successful Champions League coach with five titles (three with Real Madrid and two with AC Milan), and the only manager to have won the national league titles in all five of Europe’s top leagues (England, Spain, , Italy, and ), Ancelotti now faces the challenge of securing Brazil’s qualification for next year’s World Cup in the United States and leading the team in pursuit of their sixth title.
Brazil’s next match is against Ecuador at the Estadio Monumental de Guayaquil on June 5, during the 15th round of South American qualifiers. The first meeting under Carlo Ancelotti will conclude on June 10 at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo, facing Paraguay.
After 14 rounds of continental qualifying, Brazil sits fourth with 21 points. The top six teams qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the seventh-placed team will advance to a play-off.
