Are Brazil bringing their first squad to India?
Carlo Ancelotti has named Vinicius Junior & Raphinha among others in his squad for the friendly against India.
Brazil – the record five-time FIFA World Cup winners are the most successful nation in football. The South American side have dominated World football for the last few decades, owing to which they have a massive fan following around the globe.
Indian states like West Bengal and Kerala amongst others have a large percent of their football watching population that religiously follow the Selecao. Hence, it was no surprise that there was huge excitement amongst the football fans in the country when it was announced that Brazil will be playing India in a friendly on 3rd October.
However, there was one big question in everyone’s mind, ‘Will Brazil bring their first squad to India?’. Given that this is a friendly fixture and the Blue Tigers are ranked 138th in the FIFA rankings, fans wondered if the Selecao would prefer to give debuts to youngsters.
But the questions were answered on 9th September as Brazil have released their 26-man squad for the game against India.
Ancelotti bringing Brazil’s first-team squad to India
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Yes, Brazil are bringing some of their best players to India this October and this has been officially confirmed. Carlo Ancelotti named his squad that has quite a few big names that played in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Endrick, Bruno Guimarães, Gabriel Magalhães, and first team captain Marquinhos have all received call-ups amongst the others. While there are a few new names that Ancelotti has included, the overall squad still boasts big names.
While Neymar has retired from the national team, the likes of Alisson Becker, Ederson, and Casemiro have not been included.
Carlo Ancelotti had mentioned in recent press conferences that he is looking to add new players to the squad as he looks toward the next generation ahead of the Copa America 2028 and it seems that these big names might not lace their boots for the Selecao again.
Read More: Is Neymar selected for Brazil’s final squad travelling to India?
Brazil’s 26-man squad for the friendly against India
Goalkeepers
- Hugo Souza – Corinthians
- Pedro Morisco – Coritiba
- Otávio – Cruzeiro
Defenders
- Arthur Dias – Athletico-PR
- Douglas Santos – Zenit
- Gabriel Magalhães – Arsenal
- Jair – Nottingham Forest
- Marquinhos – PSG
- Matheuzinho – Corinthians
- Mauro Jr – PSV
- Vitor Reis – Manchester City
- Wesley – Roma
Midfielders
- Andrey Santos – Manchester United
- Breno Bidon – Corinthians
- Bruno Guimarães – Arsenal
- Danilo – Botafogo
- Douglas Luiz – Juventus
- Gabriel Bontempo – Santos
Forwards
- Endrick – Real Madrid
- Estêvão – Chelsea
- João Pedro – Chelsea
- Pedro – Flamengo
- Raphinha – Barcelona
- Rayan – Bournemouth
- Samuel Lino – Flamengo
- Vinicius Jr- Real Madrid
India will need to bring their A-game against Brazil
The Indian football team are set to play against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay in the upcoming international break. While this will be a wonderful learning opportunity for the Blue Tigers, the players will have to be at the top of their game.
All three nations are ranked under 50 in the FIFA Rankings and bring with them players that are playing in some of the top leagues in the world. The games against Brazil and Uruguay in particular will draw a lot of attention from even the “non-religious” followers of Indian football.
If India are able to put up a positive in the upcoming games, it would not just give the players confidence, but it will also bring in belief to India’s footballing environment – something that is much needed in these uncertain times.
Which big names have been included in Brazil’s squad for friendly against India?
Stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Endrick, Bruno Guimarães, Gabriel Magalhães, and first team captain Marquinhos have all received call-ups amongst the others.
When will Brazil play India?
Brazil will play India on October 3rd at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata.
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