RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, with notable absences and a few high-profile returns.
Neymar, sidelined since October 2023 due to recurring injuries, remains out of the squad after experiencing a recent flare-up in his thigh. Vinícius Júnior has also been left out—not due to injury—but strategically rested, having received a suspension for the first fixture and deemed not worth risking in back-to-back matches.
In their place, Lucas Paquetá makes a return to the national team, following his exoneration from prior betting-related allegations. Another inclusion is Joao Pedro, whose strong club form, particularly in the Club World Cup, earned him the recall.
Brazil has already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, allowing Ancelotti to use these final qualifiers as an opportunity to explore fresh talent and manage his squad prudently ahead of the global tournament.
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