Carlo Ancelotti has declared the end of the testing phase for the Brazil national team following this November's international window. The head coach made the announcement at a press conference in Singapore on Friday.
Ancelotti reiterated that the technical staff's top priority is player welfare. "The priority is always the health of the player. If he is 100%, he trains. If he is 100%, he plays," said the coach. He cited midfielder Bruno as an example, who missed training earlier in the week with discomfort but is now fit for Saturday's match against Japan, scheduled for 7:15 am Brasília time.
The post-2026 Copa América fixtures were used to observe young talents deserving of a chance with the Seleção. The first-team squad in Singapore has an average age six years younger than the World Cup squad from last year. Ancelotti noted his intention to observe Marlon Gomes as a first-choice defensive midfielder and to test Rayan as a playmaker behind Vini Jr, Raphinha, and Estevão.
The next FIFA window in March 2027 will take on a more definitive character, with sights set on the continental tournament. Preparation for the Copa América begins now, with these two final friendlies of the year acting as a bridge. Brazil also faces Singapore on Tuesday, November 17, at the same national stadium.
More detail at CNN Brasil
