Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made a historic squad selection. On Wednesday, he called up ten players who play in Brazilian domestic football for the upcoming friendlies against Australia and India, marking the highest number of home-based athletes in an open squad list for 13 years, as reported by O Globo Esportes.
The team led by Ancelotti is in a strong position in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Brazil currently sits first in their group, with seven points from three matches (two wins and one draw). Their recent form of four wins and one loss in the last five outings shows an improving side, having scored seven goals and conceded just one in the group stage.
Who are the ten called-up players?
Ancelotti's list includes names from seven different Brazilian Serie A clubs. The goalkeepers called are Hugo Souza (Corinthians) and Pedro Morisco (Coritiba). In defense, Otávio (Cruzeiro), Arthur Dias (Athletico-PR), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), and Breno Bidon (Corinthians) received the call. Midfielder Danilo (Botafogo) and forward Gabriel Bontempo (Santos) complete the group, alongside wingers Pedro and Samuel Lino, both from Flamengo. Together, these ten athletes represent 38.5% of the total 26-player squad selected for this FIFA window.
This marks a significant shift from recent selection trends. The last time an open Brazil squad list featured at least ten players based in the country was on May 14, 2013, under manager Luiz Felipe Scolari. On that occasion, Felipão called up 11 athletes, including a young Neymar who was still at Santos before his transfer to Barcelona. Since then, no unrestricted call-up had reached double digits for Brazil-based players, aside from a friendly outside the FIFA calendar in January 2017 which featured only local players.
What is Brazil's current context?
Ancelotti's selection comes during a period of intense preparation. The team's last result was a 2-1 defeat to Norway on July 5, but the subsequent run of victories has put them on the right track. The immediate next challenge is the friendly against Australia, scheduled for September 25, an away fixture. The team's full schedule can be checked on our fixtures page.
The bet on talent from domestic football reflects a search for new options and an appreciation for the local league. The diversity of represented clubs, Corinthians, Coritiba, Cruzeiro, Athletico-PR, Botafogo, Santos, and Flamengo, demonstrates the Italian coach's broad view. To follow the evolution of this group, fans can see the full squad list on our squad page.
Ancelotti's work with the Brazil national team now enters a decisive testing phase. The friendlies serve as a final evaluation opportunity before the key World Cup qualifying matches. The trust placed in players performing in Brazil is a new chapter in a cycle seeking to balance international experience with the strength of local football. Brazil's next match is against Australia on September 25.
