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Carlo Ancelotti Drops Liverpool’s Alisson in Brazil Squad Revamp Ahead of 2030 World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti Begins Major Brazil Squad Overhaul

Carlo Ancelotti has started a sweeping reshuffle of the Brazil national team, leaving out several established players after their disappointing World Cup run. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is among the biggest names omitted as the coach shifts focus to younger talent preparing for the 2030 World Cup.

Youth Takes Priority Over Experience

Ancelotti has put together a much younger squad for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India, signaling a fresh start. Veteran midfielders Casemiro and Fabinho are also missing, with Neymar already retired from international duty.

This new selection fulfills Ancelotti's commitment after Brazil’s surprising round-of-16 exit to Norway. He aims to build a core of players eligible for the 2028 Olympics as a foundation for future success.

Reflecting on 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."

Regarding his tough choice to bench Alisson, Ancelotti added, "We know Alisson very well, and when competitions like the Copa America come, if he remains the best goalkeeper in Brazil, Alisson will play. Right now, however, we have to prioritise the younger ones."

Veteran Leaders Stay to Support Youth

Despite the cuts, Ancelotti retained key experienced players to guide the young squad. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Barcelona’s Raphinha lead the attack alongside Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, returning after missing the World Cup. Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos and new Arsenal signing Bruno Guimaraes remain to provide leadership.

"I chose these players to help with this change in direction," Ancelotti explained. "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 and Squad Details

The revamped Brazil team will first face Australia in Townsville on September 25, followed by another match in Brisbane four days later. Then, they head to Kolkata on October 3 for Brazil’s first-ever game in India, a country with a passionate fan base.

  • 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

  • Australia vs Brazil: September 25, 2026, 12:00 (Townsville)
  • Second Australia match: September 29, 2026 (Brisbane)
  • India vs Brazil: October 3, 2026 (Kolkata)

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