Ancelotti Names Brazil Squad for Korea, Japan Friendlies; Rodrygo & Key Players Return
SEOUL/TOKYO – brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti today announced the squad for upcoming pleasant matches against South Korea and Japan, signaling preparations for the 2026 FIFA World cup. The Seleção will face South Korea in Seoul on October 10th, followed by a match against Japan in Tokyo four days later.
the roster features a blend of established stars and emerging talent, with Real Madrid forward Rodrygo among those returning to the squad. Ancelotti highlighted Rodrygo’s strong physical condition and versatility, stating, “He is very motivated and is a very important player for the selection for having remarkable technical characteristics. He can play in all positions as a striker.” The call-ups are part of a series of friendlies planned to assess players ahead of the World Cup, with additional matches against African teams scheduled for November in london and Paris, and potential encounters with European elite sides in March 2026.
full Brazil Squad:
* Goalkeepers: Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
* Defenders: Caio Henrique (Monaco), Carlos Augusto (Inter), Douglas Santos (Zénit), Éder Militao (Real Madrid), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Lucas Beraldo (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Rome)
* Midfielders: Andre (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham)
* Forwards: Estevao (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Jesús (Nottingham Forest), Luiz Henrique (Zénit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius junior (Real Madrid)
Since assuming the role in May, Ancelotti has overseen four World Cup qualifying matches, achieving two wins, one draw, and a loss to Bolivia in El Alto. These upcoming friendlies represent a crucial possibility to refine team dynamics and evaluate player performance as Brazil builds towards the 2026 tournament.
