Ancelotti: There are no friendlies for Brazil
Carlo Ancelotti has unveiled his starting XI for the match against Australia, insisting that every game is vital for Brazil's squad overhaul.
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Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has initiated a major squad overhaul following a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. The September-October international window, which features matches against Australia and India, serves as the first real test for the newly shaped Seleção.
Following a shock Round of 16 exit against Norway—Brazil's worst World Cup result since 1990—Ancelotti is tasked with identifying a new generation of talent. "It is difficult to call this a friendly match. There is no such thing as a friendly game for Brazil. This will be an important match. Our main goal in the new cycle is to find a new generation of players for the Copa América and the World Cup. And we are starting tomorrow," the Italian manager stated.
There is no such thing as a friendly game for Brazil. This will be an important match. Our main goal in the new cycle is to find a new generation of players for the Copa América and the World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti
Ancelotti revealed his starting XI for the Australia clash, featuring a blend of experience and youth: Hugo Souza, Matheuzinho, Marquinhos, Vitor Reis, Douglas Santos, Danilo, Bruno Guimarães, Estevão, Raphinha, Endrick, and Vinícius Júnior. Despite the absence of the injured João Pedro, the squad remains balanced.
The coach also praised his opposite number, Tony Popovic, who previously interned under Ancelotti at Milan and Bayern Munich. Ancelotti emphasized that the Australian side is disciplined and compact, warning that there are no easy opponents in modern football.