Ancelotti Set to Drop Vinicius Junior From Brazil's Next Squad in Shocking Move
A pair of Real Madrid stars are expected to rejoin the Brazil national squad in September, though Vinícius Júnior will surprisingly be left out according to manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The Seleção will complete their final two CONMEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches during September's international window. Brazil will host Chile in Rio de Janeiro before traveling to the Estadio Municipal de El Alto to meet Bolivia.
Manager Ancelotti has not yet announced his roster for these upcoming games, but Rodrygo, Éder Militão and potentially Neymar are all anticipated to receive call-ups following lengthy spells away from international duty. Vinícius Júnior, however, appears unlikely to join his teammates.
Reports from Globo Esporte suggest that Ancelotti will exclude Vinícius Júnior from Brazil's September squad. The former Real Madrid coach is allegedly giving his star winger a break now that the Seleção has already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Vinícius Júnior faces suspension for Brazil's opening clash with Chile on Sept. 4 after accumulating yellow cards. Given that the 24-year-old cannot participate in one of the two upcoming international fixtures, Ancelotti believes a "rest period" would prove more "advantageous" for the attacker.
Ancelotti will be without Vinícius Júnior, who netted the sole goal during the manager's brief time leading Brazil. The Real Madrid star scored the Seleção's decisive strike against Paraguay in June, delivering Ancelotti's maiden victory and securing the team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Nevertheless, Ancelotti will welcome back his other former Real Madrid players in Rodrygo and Militão for national team duty. The winger will probably have the opportunity to feature in his preferred left-wing role with Vinícius Júnior absent, while Militão, who has recently returned from an ACL injury, would reclaim his spot in Brazil's defensive line.
Brazil's official squad list for the September international break is scheduled to be revealed on Aug. 25.