Carlo Ancelotti Drops Liverpool Star in Brazil Squad Shake-Up Ahead of 2030 World Cup

Ancelotti Starts Major Brazil Team Revamp, Excludes Liverpool’s Alisson

Carlo Ancelotti has begun a significant overhaul of the Brazil national team, leaving out several established players after a disappointing World Cup showing. Among those missing is Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, as the Italian coach focuses on youth to build towards the 2030 World Cup.

Focus Shifts to Younger Players

Following Brazil’s unexpected round-of-16 exit to Norway, Ancelotti has assembled a youthful squad for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India. This decision reflects his commitment to nurturing players eligible for the 2028 Olympic Games, forming a foundation for future international success.

High-profile omissions include veteran midfielders Casemiro and Fabinho, while Neymar remains absent due to his recent retirement from international football.

Moving On From World Cup Disappointment

"The World Cup was a disappointment for us and for me personally," Ancelotti told ESPN. "The pain of the defeat lingers much longer. Now, however, we are motivated by the fact that we have time to prepare for a new cycle and get ready for the upcoming competitions."

The manager also explained his decision to drop experienced goalkeepers like Alisson: "We know Alisson very well, and when competitions like the Copa America come, if he remains being the best goalkeeper in Brazil, Alisson will play. Right now, however, we have to prioritise the younger ones."

Experienced Players Remain to Guide New Generation

Despite removing many veterans, Ancelotti has kept some seasoned stars to help lead the fresh squad. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and Barcelona winger Raphinha will spearhead the attack, alongside Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, who returns after missing the World Cup.

Leadership in defense and midfield continues with Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos and new Arsenal signing Bruno Guimaraes.

"I chose these players to help with this change in direction," said Ancelotti. "They are crucial for the future and will help the younger players improve. One thing is certain: a player who is 34 or 35 years old isn’t the future; they are the present. If a player of that age is ready to play in a major tournament, they will be in the national squad."

Historic Friendlies Mark New Era

The revamped Brazil squad will first face Australia in Townsville on September 25, followed by another match in Brisbane four days later. Then, Brazil will travel to Kolkata on October 3 for their first-ever game in India, a country with a huge fan base for the five-time world champions.

Brazil Squad List

• Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otavio
• Defenders: Arthur Dias, Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos, Jair, Matheuzinho, Maurio Junior, Vitor Reis
• Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Andrey Santos, Danilo Santos, Dougals Luiz, Breno Bidon, Gabriel Bontempo
• Forwards: Endrick, Joao Pedro, Estevao, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinicius Junior

Upcoming Friendlies

• Date: September 25, 2026
• Opponent: Australia
• Location: Townsville
• Kickoff: 12:00