Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti visited Real Madrid's Valdebebas training center to monitor the recovery of three key players. The Spanish newspaper Marca reported the visit, with O Globo Esportes confirming the story this week. Ancelotti observed Endrick, Rodrygo, and Militão, who were training separately from the main group due to injuries. The visit took place on Thursday, ahead of Real Madrid's match against Real Betis in the fourth round of the Spanish Championship.
Brazil, who top their group in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 7 points from 3 games, are preparing to face Australia on September 25. The team's recent form shows four wins and one loss in their last five matches, including their round of 16 elimination by Norway in the last World Cup on July 5. Their current campaign features 7 goals scored and only 1 conceded.
Why is Ancelotti's visit important now?
The proximity of the next FIFA international break makes the players' recovery a priority for the coach. During the last World Cup, only Endrick was available for most of the tournament, but spent much of it on the bench. Rodrygo and Militão were completely unavailable due to long-term injuries that ruled them out of the competition. Ancelotti aims to avoid a similar scenario in the final stretch of World Cup qualifying and preparation for the tournament's decisive phase.
First-hand monitoring allows the manager to personally assess the players' progress. After the visit, Ancelotti publicly thanked Real Madrid players for their affection. On social media, the Italian wrote: "Manhã produtiva de trabalho com nossos jogadores em Valdebebas e um reencontro especial com a grande família madridista. Obrigado pelo carinho".
What is Real Madrid's current situation?
Ancelotti's visit coincided with a shortage of available players for the Spanish club. Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho could not count on Tchouaméni, Asencio, Mendy, Thiago, Endrick, Rodrygo, and Militão during that session due to physical issues. For the upcoming Champions League match against Inter Milan on Tuesday, the situation worsens. Mourinho will also lose Camavinga, Güler, and Valverde to suspension, leaving the midfield with very limited options for the decisive clash.
This context makes the recovery of the Brazilian players even more relevant for both clubs. For the national team, having players at full competitive rhythm is essential. Fans can track the physical development of the national squad on our injuries page.
How is Brazil's World Cup campaign going?
Brazil sits in first place in their 2026 World Cup group. The team has 7 points, from two wins and one draw in three matches played. Their recent results sequence is LWWWD, considering the last match as the most recent. The most recent loss was the one that caused elimination in the last World Cup, a 2-1 defeat to Norway.
Defense has been a strong point, with only one goal conceded in the current campaign. The attack has produced seven goals, resulting in a positive goal difference of six. The next match will be an away friendly against Australia, scheduled for September 25. The team's full schedule can be checked on our fixtures calendar.
What are the expectations for the next call-up?
Ancelotti's presence at Valdebebas signals that all three players are in immediate contention for the next squad list. The full recovery of Endrick, Rodrygo, and Militão would be a significant boost for the squad facing Australia. The coach will have the chance to observe other Brazilians playing in Europe during the continent's league matches this week.
The final composition of the group will depend on medical reports sent by clubs to the Brazilian Football Confederation. The technical staff will cross-reference this data with Ancelotti's personal observations from his Real Madrid visit. The squad list for the September friendly is expected to be announced approximately two weeks before the match, following CBF's usual protocol. The current national team lineup is available on our squad page. Brazil's next official World Cup match is scheduled for October, according to the FIFA calendar.
