Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named a formidable 26-man squad for the upcoming international friendly against India, calling up Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, Barcelona winger Raphinha, and teenage sensation Endrick for the fixture on 3 October 2026 at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
The fixture represents a milestone for Indian football, marking the first time the senior men’s national team will play against the five-time world champions and the highest-ranked opposition in India’s sporting history.
Heavyweight Roster for Kolkata Trip
Ancelotti has selected an attacking group packed with European pedigree.Vinicius Junior and Endrick will travel alongside Raphinha, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães, Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos, and Premier League midfield pair Bruno Guimarães and Douglas Luiz.
The squad also provides a platform for Brazil’s emerging generation. Rising forwards Estêvão, João Pedro, and Rayan have made the cut, while young defenders Jair Cunha and Vítor Reis earned call-ups as part of a squad rejuvenation looking towards the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle.
Transition Phase and Notable Absentees
The selection highlights an ongoing generational shift following Brazil’s post-World Cup restructuring. Regular goalkeeping duo Alisson Becker and Ederson have been omitted, paving the way for Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, and Otávio to contest the gloves.
Long-serving midfielder Casemiro has been phased out, and former captain Neymar remains absent following his retirement from international football earlier this year.
Window Schedule and Historic Significance
The fixture at the Salt Lake Stadium concludes a three-match autumn tour for the Seleção.Brazil travel to Townsville and Brisbane to face Australia on 25 and 29 September respectively, before arriving in Kolkata for the tour finale.
For India, the match headlines an ambitious international window organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).The Blue Tigers will first host Panama in Bengaluru on 25 September before the clash with Brazil, followed by another home friendly against two-time world champions Uruguay in Kolkata on 6 October.
Full Brazil Squad
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Goalkeepers:Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otavio
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Defenders:Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jair Cunha, Marquinhos, Matheuzinho, Mauro Júnior, Vítor Reis, Wesley
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Midfielders:Andrey Santos, Breno Bidon, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo Santos, Douglas Luiz, Gabriel Bontempo
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Forwards:Endrick, Estevao, Joao Pedro, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinicius Junior