Brazil National Team: When will Ancelotti announce the squad list and dates for the next World Cup Qualifying matches?

With qualification already secured, Brazil now looks to fine-tune under Carlo Ancelotti. The Seleção returns to action in September against Chile and Bolivia.

Brazil’s next fixtures in the South American Qualifiers

Brazil will play its final two matches of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers next month. Already guaranteed a place in the 2026 World Cup, the team focuses on testing new options and gaining rhythm with Ancelotti at the helm.

• Brazil vs Chile – September 4, 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
• Bolivia vs Brazil – September 9, 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Municipality of El Alto, La Paz

Currently third in the standings with 25 points, Brazil cannot catch Argentina, who lead with 35, but are in a symbolic battle with Ecuador for second place.

When will the squad be announced?

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti will announce the squad list on Monday, August 25, at 3:30 pm (Brasília time), in Rio de Janeiro. The event will be streamed live on CBF’s social media channels.

Because Brazil has already qualified, Ancelotti may experiment with new names to build his ideal squad. In recent weeks, the coach has personally attended Brasileirão matches, while members of his staff including Rodrigo Caetano and Juan have also been monitoring players.

Ancelotti’s early days with Brazil

So far, Ancelotti’s record with the Seleção includes a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in Guayaquil and a 1-0 win over Paraguay at the Neo Química Arena. The Italian is the first foreign coach to lead Brazil into a World Cup and requested that the upcoming match against Chile be staged at the Maracanã to strengthen his connection with Brazilian fans.

Neymar: Will he return to the squad?

One of the main uncertainties is whether Neymar will be called up. The Santos forward has not played for the national team since October 2023 due to injury. Absent from Ancelotti’s first list, the coach emphasized that the decision was medical, keeping the door open for a future return.

Neymar, who recently returned to club football, was spotted by Ancelotti’s staff during Santos’ match against Juventude. When asked about his chances of returning to the Seleção, the star was blunt:

“I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Everyone knows my style. I’m available, I’m feeling great. It’s up to them.”

The forward has been in the spotlight after his emotional reaction in Santos’ 4-0 defeat to Vasco last weekend, an image that spread across social media and international outlets.

What’s at stake for Brazil?

With the ticket to the World Cup already stamped, these two September matches will serve as a key test for Ancelotti to rotate his squad, integrate young players, and evaluate the return of established stars like Neymar.