Coach announced the squad for friendlies against the French and Croatian teams; list is the last before the call-up for the 2026 World Cup
The coach of the Brazilian team, , announced this Monday (16.mar.2026) in a broadcast on CBF TV the players who will face France and Croatia in the last friendlies before the 2026 World Cup. The list indicates the base that the coach intends to take to the World Cup and serves as a final test for names that are still competing for places.
The relationship confirmed the focus on athletes who play in Brazil, with emphasis on the trio of –Alex Sandro, Danilo and Léo Pereira–, and the maintenance of young people who are gaining ground in European football.
As it was the last opportunity to observe the group in action before being called up for the World Cup, Ancelotti mixed the experience of Casemiro (Manchester United) and Marquinhos (PSG) with newcomers to the cycle, such as midfielder Danilo, from Botafogo, and striker Igor Thiago, from Brentford. Gabriel Sara, from Galatasaray, also received a new opportunity after standing out in Türkiye.
In the offensive sector, Vini Jr. and Raphinha remain as pillars, while Endrick (Lyon) and João Pedro (Chelsea) try to consolidate their spaces. The presence of Rayan (Bournemouth) and Luiz Henrique (Zenit) reinforces Ancelotti’s intention to have speed options on the sides of the field.
CALENDAR IN THE USA
Unlike previous commitments, the friendlies will be held on North American soil, for the next World Cup:
- March 26: Brazil x France
- March 31: Brazil x Croatia
The clashes against two of the main European powers will serve to measure the team’s competitive level just a few months before the opening of the biggest competition in world football.
Read the list of those called up:
GOALKEEPERS
- Alisson (Liverpool);
- Bento (Al-Nassr);
- Ederson (Fenerbahce).
DEFENDERS
- Alex Sandro (Flamengo);
- Bremer (Juventus);
- Danilo (Flamengo);
- Douglas Santos (Zenit);
- Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal);
- Ibañez (Al-Ahly);
- Léo Pereira (Flamengo);
- Marquinhos (PSG);
- Wesley (Roma).
SOCKS
- Andrey Santos (Chelsea);
- Casemiro (Manchester United);
- Danilo (Botafogo);
- Fabinho (Al-Ittihad);
- Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray).
ATTACKERS
- Endrick (Lyons);
- Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal);
- Igor Thiago (Brentford);
- Luiz Henrique (Zenit);
- Matheus Cunha (Manchester United);
- Raphinha (Barcelona);
- Rayan (Bournemouth);
- Vini Jr. (Real Madrid);
- João Pedro (Chelsea).
