Carlo Ancelotti unveiled the list of players selected for Brazil's next two matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Monday. The Seleçao coach notably opted not to select several of his stars, including Neymar, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo.

Already qualified for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, Brazil still has two qualifying matches to play during the international break in September. But perhaps unsurprisingly, Carlo Ancelotti has planned to rotate the squad for these two matches, scheduled for September 4 and 9 against Chile and Bolivia. The new Auriverde coach will take the opportunity to conduct some tests and has named a squad with this in mind.

Several Seleçao stars are missing from the list unveiled this Monday by the "Mister." This is particularly the case for Vinicius Jr. and his Real Madrid teammates Rodrygo and Eder Militao, as well as Neymar.

Neymar forced to forfeit

Vinicius Jr., who was suspended for the Chile match, will be available for Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti preferred to give him a rest rather than subject him to the always grueling trip to Bolivia. The same goes for several other European stars of Real Madrid.

More surprising at first glance was the withdrawal of Neymar, whose return had already generated a lot of excitement among fans. But the ever-pleasant Italian coach once again appeared rather calm about him.

"Neymar had a little problem last week," Carlo Ancelotti explained at a press conference on Monday. He added: "We don't need to test Neymar. Everyone knows him. (...) Like the others, he must arrive in good physical condition to help the national team give its best at the World Cup."

Paqueta back, Marquinhos and Alexsandro partners?

Having cleared his extra-sporting troubles due to betting, Lucas Paqueta is among the players Carlo Ancelotti is keen to test during the Brazil training camp. This is a first for the West Ham attacking midfielder since November 2024.

Among other notable players, the Brazil coach has chosen to call up four defenders playing in Ligue 1. While Marquinhos is the mainstay in this team, the PSG central defender could be partnered in the middle with Lille's Alexansandro, while Monaco full-backs Caio Henrique and Vanderson have also been called up for Brazil's upcoming matches.