Ancelotti called Alisson his best goalkeeper, then left him out of Brazil's 26 for Japan and Singapore
Brazil named 26 players for two friendlies in Singapore with 15 of them under 23, and Ancelotti's reason for leaving Alisson behind shows how far the rebuild still has to run.
Twenty-six players, fifteen of them under 23
Carlo Ancelotti named Brazil's squad for November on Thursday, for two friendlies in Singapore, against Japan and against the hosts 1.
Fifteen of the 26 are under 23, and AP counts nine of them as Olympic age 1.
The list holds three goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and seven forwards 1. Six play in Brazil, and the rest are spread across Europe and Saudi Arabia 1.
Vinícius Júnior and Endrick, both of Real Madrid, and Barcelona's Raphinha are the three biggest names 1. Estêvão, 19, keeps his place on two Chelsea starts this season, and Ancelotti said he will keep following him even if that stays the case 2.
The goalkeeper he left at home
Alisson Becker is absent. Ancelotti's explanation was that Brazil already know the Liverpool goalkeeper well enough 2.
"He is the best goalkeeper," Ancelotti said. "When the Copa América begins, he will be called up, and it's the same for the others." 2
Three clubs sent nobody
Palmeiras, Flamengo and Atlético Mineiro have no players in this squad 1. The coaching staff skipped players from clubs chasing domestic titles, which emptied the list of those three entirely 1.
2027, then 2028
"During this period leading up to 2027, we must carry out this work to find a clear direction," Ancelotti said 2. He expects a more established team by the first friendlies of 2028, with World Cup qualifiers and Copa América preparations under way 2.
Brazil have played three friendlies since the World Cup: 1-1 and 4-2 against Australia in September, then 4-0 in India on 3 October 3.
Japan, then Singapore
Japan v Brazil, Saturday 14 November in Singapore: 6:15pm local, 5:15am ET, 2:15am PT 4.
Japan are the side Brazil beat 2-1 in the World Cup round of 32 in Houston, Gabriel Martinelli finishing in the 96th minute 5. Japan have won twice since, 3-1 against Uruguay and 2-1 against Venezuela 6.
Singapore v Brazil, Tuesday 17 November: 6pm local, 5am ET, 2am PT 7.
Quote of the Day
"We don't need to test Alisson. We know him very well. He is the best goalkeeper."
Ancelotti, on leaving Alisson out of the November squad, 29 October 2026 2
References
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