Back in May 2025, Carlo Ancelotti left his role as Real Madrid manager, taking on the Brazil national squad as the South American teams are working towards qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Prior to taking charge, Brazil had beaten Colombia 2-1 in the opening game of the qualifiers, then went on to lose 4-1 to Argentina in the following game.
Since Ancelotti has been in the hot seat, the former Real Madrid manager has led the side to a 0-0 draw with Ecuador and a 1-0 win over Paraguay.
Now, Brazil are set to face Chile and Bolivia on 5th September and 10th September respectively; however, there is less pressure on Ancelotti and his men.
Already Brazil have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, currently sititng in third place with 25 points, matching with Ecuador, who have a goal difference of eight as opposed to Brazil’s five.
However, with the cut off for qualification being sixth place and Venezuela currently sitting in seventh with 18 points, even wins over Argentina and Colombia wouldn’t see them catch up with Brazil on points.
That said, Ancelotti still isn’t pulling punches as he names his squad for the final two games of qualifiers, with the Brazil manager naming Casemiro and Matheus Cunha in his selection.
Casemiro has been key for Ruben Amorim, holding a starting place in the United senior squad over younger players like Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte.
Alongside him Matheus Cunha has slotted into the starting line-ups at Old Trafford after moving from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer.
Cunha has not only shone in the Premier League but also for Brazil, scoring their only goal against Argentina and setting up Vinicius Junior against Paraguay for the side’s only goal so far under Ancelotti.
However, United outcast Antony has been dropped from the call-up list despite joining the Brazil squad for their last two games, although was unused as a substitute in either game.
CONVOCADOS! ✅
O mister Carlo Ancelotti divulgou a lista dos jogadores convocados para os jogos nos dias 4 e 9 de setembro contra Chile, no Maracanã, e Bolívia, em El Alto.
ISSO É BRASIL! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/2CC0oDTypL
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) August 25, 2025
