Overview
- Coach Carlo Ancelotti unveiled the 26-player squad on Wednesday, keeping stars such as Vinicius Jr, Raphinha and Marquinhos while bringing in multiple young first-time call-ups.
- Brazil will play Australia in Townsville on September 25 and Brisbane on September 29 before travelling to Kolkata for the first senior match against India on October 3.
- The CBF inspected Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium turf, flagged uneven playing conditions, and sent a two-member expert team to carry out remedial work ahead of the October 3 fixture.
- High-profile absences include Neymar, who retired from international football after the World Cup, and goalkeepers Alisson and Ederson, with three new keepers called up instead.
- Ancelotti framed the squad as the start of a multi-year cycle with several players eligible for the 2028 Olympics, a move intended to build the spine for the 2030 World Cup and to give India a major exposure boost while raising pressure to secure the pitch and logistics.