João Pedro, Chelsea forward, and Raphinha, Barcelona captain, have returned to the Brazil squad as head coach Carlo Ancelotti begins rebuilding the five-time world champions after their disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, with friendlies against Australia and India scheduled during the September and October international window.

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The recall of João Pedro is one of the most notable features of Ancelotti’s 26-man squad, after the Chelsea striker was left out of Brazil’s World Cup group.

Raphinha’s return is equally significant. The Barcelona forward missed the tournament through a hamstring injury after being expected to play an important role in Ancelotti’s plans.

The latest selection marks the beginning of a new cycle for Brazil, with Ancelotti combining established figures with a group of younger players who could form the backbone of the national side over the coming years.

Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Chelsea’s Estêvão, Tottenham forward Rayan, Atlético Madrid forward Samuel Lino and João Pedro are among the attacking options included in the squad.

Ancelotti has also retained several experienced players, including Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos and Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães.

Eight players who were not part of Brazil’s World Cup squad have also received opportunities, underlining the Italian coach’s willingness to broaden his options.

Among the newcomers are goalkeeper Pedro Morisco, defenders Arthur Dias and Jair, midfielder Breno Bidon and Gabriel Bontempo.

Ancelotti said the upcoming fixtures would allow him to assess emerging talent while laying the groundwork for Brazil’s next generation.

“With these three friendly matches, we will begin a new cycle to project the National Team towards the goals of the coming years, which are the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup,” Ancelotti said.

“We will take advantage of these three friendlies to call up new players for the National Team, especially young players, who can showcase their talent in the coming years.”

The João Pedro Brazil squad return is particularly noteworthy because of the striker’s omission from the World Cup. His inclusion gives Ancelotti another option in an attack that is undergoing a gradual generational shift.

Neymar is also absent from the new squad after indicating that he intended to retire from international football following the World Cup.

The changes point towards a Brazil side being shaped with the longer term in mind rather than relying solely on players who featured prominently during the previous campaign.

The first tests will come against Australia. Brazil will meet the Socceroos at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on September 25 before facing them again at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on September 29.

Ancelotti’s side will then travel to Kolkata to face India at Salt Lake Stadium on October 3.

The Brazil-India meeting will be the countries’ first senior international encounter, while Brazil’s previous match against Australia ended in a 4-0 victory in Melbourne in June 2017.

Brazil are also scheduled to tour Asia in November, with matches against Japan on November 14 and Singapore on November 17.

The extended international window gives Ancelotti valuable time to examine his squad and establish the tactical foundations of his new cycle.

The coach will be particularly interested in how returning players such as Raphinha and João Pedro fit alongside established stars and the emerging generation.

The rebuild comes with significant expectations. Brazil’s reputation demands success, but Ancelotti will also need to develop a team capable of challenging for the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup.

For João Pedro, the recall represents a fresh opportunity after missing the biggest international stage. For Raphinha, it offers a route back into the national side after an injury denied him the chance to contribute at the World Cup.

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Together, their returns provide an encouraging starting point for Ancelotti as Brazil look beyond a disappointing tournament and towards a new era.