Brazil Announces Squad for India Friendly in Kolkata
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced a 26-player squad for the national team’s international friendly against India in Kolkata on October 3, 2026.
The five-time FIFA World Cup champions will face India at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in what will be the first senior men’s international meeting between the two countries.
Brazil currently occupy fifth place in the FIFA men’s world rankings, while India are ranked 138th.
Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Endrick Included
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, Barcelona winger Raphinha and Real Madrid youngster Endrick are among the headline names selected by Ancelotti.
The attacking options also include Chelsea players Estevao and Joao Pedro, Bournemouth forward Rayan and Flamengo forwards Pedro and Samuel Lino.
The squad features a mix of established international players and younger talents as Brazil begin preparations for the next stage of their international campaign.
Bruno Guimaraes Included
Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is another notable name in the squad. He joined the Premier League club in August after previously serving as Newcastle United captain.
Other midfield options include Andrey Santos, Douglas Luiz, Danilo Santos, Breno Bidon and Gabriel Bontempo.
Douglas Luiz has also returned to Juventus after completing a loan spell at Aston Villa and is included in the Italian club’s squad for the 2026-27 season.
Experienced Defense
Brazil’s defensive lineup includes Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes and Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos.
Manchester City defender Vitor Reis, Nottingham Forest’s Jair, Roma’s Wesley and PSV’s Mauro Junior are also part of the selection.
The squad represents a significant change from Brazil’s 2026 World Cup team, with only nine players retained from the 26-member World Cup squad.
The returning players are Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Danilo Santos, Bruno Guimaraes, Endrick, Raphinha, Rayan and Vinicius Junior.
Neymar Absent From New Squad
Neymar is not part of the latest Brazil selection after announcing his retirement from international football following the 2026 World Cup.
Several other experienced players, including Casemiro, Alisson, Ederson, Danilo and Weverton, have also been left out of the squad.
Brazil will begin its upcoming international schedule with two matches against Australia. The first will be played in Townsville on September 25, followed by another match in Brisbane on September 29.
The team will then travel to India for the highly anticipated friendly in Kolkata on October 3.
India Squad for Brazil Friendly
India head coach Khalid Jamil has also selected a 26-member squad for the team’s upcoming international friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay.
The Indian squad includes experienced players such as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Anwar Ali, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad and Manvir Singh.
The match against Brazil is expected to attract significant attention in India as the two national teams prepare to meet for the first time at senior men’s international level.
Brazil Squad for India Friendly 2026
Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco
Defenders: Otavio, Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jair, Marquinhos, Matheuzinho, Mauro Junior, Vitor Reis, Wesley
Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Breno Bidon, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo Santos, Douglas Luiz, Gabriel Bontempo
Forwards: Endrick, Estevao, Joao Pedro, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinicius Junior
