By
Arinze izik

Rio de Janeiro – Carlo Ancelotti has defended his call to refresh the Brazil squad with young talent, insisting experience has not been shut out as the team builds toward the 2030 World Cup.

The Brazil head coach named his 26-man squad on Wednesday for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India. The list includes 8 uncapped players and 9 members of the squad that played at the 2026 World Cup.

The overhaul drew comment from former captain Thiago Silva earlier this week. Silva said players should not be left out simply because of age if they can still contribute at international level.

Responding to that, Ancelotti said age alone is not the deciding factor.

“A player who is 34 or 35 isn’t the future, they are the present,” he said. “If a player of that age is ready to play in a major tournament, they will be in the national team. But right now the priority is young players.

“This is a balanced group with World Cup players in it. It’s important for the next generation. We have young players with the quality to represent Brazil in the coming years, plus others doing very well in the Brazilian league.”

After Brazil’s round-of-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup, Ancelotti spoke of starting a “new cycle” and bringing through young talent. He said the focus now is on players who will be in their prime for the 2030 World Cup and the next Copa América.

“We have time now to work calmly and evaluate everyone properly,” Ancelotti added. “The idea is very clear: bring in a new generation. We can take our time and make the right choices for the future.”

Brazil Squad for Australia & India friendlies:

Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), Otávio (Cruzeiro)
Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico-PR), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (PSG), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Jair (Nottingham Forest), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Mauro Júnior (PSV), Vitor Reis (Man City)
Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Arsenal), Andrey Santos (Man United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Gabriel Bontempo (Santos)
Forwards: Endrick, Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), João Pedro, Estêvão (Chelsea), Samuel Lino, Pedro (Flamengo)