Carlo Ancelotti has announced his squad for Brazil’s final World Cup qualifiers, with Neymar and Vinicius Junior both omitted. Neymar is still recovering from a leg muscle injury, while Vinicius has been rested to manage his workload. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents as Brazil prepares to finalize its preparations for the World Cup, having already qualified.
Carlo Ancelotti has announced his latest Brazil squad for the concluding two World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, and the roster features notable omissions: Neymar and Vinicius Junior. The decision comes as Brazil prepares to finalize its preparations for next year’s World Cup, having already secured their place in the tournament.
Neymar’s absence marks another setback for the Al-Hilal forward, who has been plagued by injuries. He initially missed Ancelotti’s first squad selection due to a prior injury and now finds himself sidelined again after sustaining a minor leg muscle injury last week. The 33-year-old hasn’t featured for the national team since October 2023, when a serious knee ligament injury cut short his participation.
While Ancelotti hasn’t entirely ruled out a potential return for Neymar, he emphasized the importance of the star forward regaining peak physical condition. “Neymar, like everyone else, needs to get into good physical condition to be able to help the team do well and try to do their best in the World Cup,” Ancelotti stated. “These two games are the last games of the qualifiers, and we need to finish this phase well.”
CONVOCADOS!
O mister Carlo Ancelotti divulgou a lista dos jogadores convocados para os jogos nos dias 4 e 9 de setembro contra Chile, no Maracanã, e Bolívia, em El Alto.
ISSO É BRASIL! pic.twitter.com/2CC0oDTypL
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) August 25, 2025
Vinicius Junior’s exclusion is attributed to a need for rest and workload management. Following his contributions to Real Madrid’s Club World Cup success and the resumption of the LaLiga season, Ancelotti has opted to give the dynamic winger a break. This decision reflects a cautious approach to player fitness as the season progresses.
Beyond Neymar and Vinicius, three other Real Madrid players will not participate in these qualifiers. Defender Eder Militao has also been granted a rest, while attackers Rodrygo and Endrick were left out based on Ancelotti’s assessment of their current form and tactical considerations. The squad selection signals a blend of experience and emerging talent as Brazil aims to conclude the qualifying campaign on a high note.
Brazil’s upcoming matches are crucial for maintaining momentum and fine-tuning the team’s preparations for the World Cup. They will first host Chile at the iconic Maracanã Stadium on September 4th, followed by an away fixture against Bolivia in El Alto five days later. These games provide Ancelotti with a final opportunity to evaluate his players and solidify his tactical plans before the global showpiece.
The selected squad demonstrates Ancelotti’s commitment to building a balanced and competitive team. The inclusion of players like Alisson, Casemiro, and Richarlison provides a solid foundation of experience, while the call-ups for younger talents like Estevao and Gabriel Martinelli offer a glimpse into the future of Brazilian football.
Full Brazil Squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, Hugo Souza
Defenders: Alexsandro Ribeiro, Alex Sandro, Caio Henrique, Douglas Santos, Fabricio Bruno, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Vanderson, Wesley
Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Joelinton, Lucas Paqueta
Forwards: Estevao, Gabriel Martinelli, Joao Pedro, Kaio Jorge, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Richarlison
With qualification already secured, these final qualifiers represent an opportunity for Brazil to refine their strategies and build confidence ahead of the World Cup. Ancelotti’s squad selection reflects a pragmatic approach, balancing the need for experienced players with the integration of emerging talents. The absence of Neymar and Vinicius, while notable, underscores the depth and versatility within the Brazilian national team.