On Monday in Rio de Janeiro (local time), Carlo Ancelotti held his first press conference as head coach of the Brazilian national team.

At the same time, Ancelotti also announced the list of players for the debut of the team that has won the world championship five times.

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Ancelotti and legendary coach Scolari at the introductory press conference. Photo: CBF

The former Real Madrid coach called up Casemiro and Vinicius Junior, but not Neymar.

According to Ancelotti, he will call up Neymar in the future, because this player is currently recovering from injury.

About Casemiro, Ancelotti commented: "Case is a great player, I had the opportunity to work with him" .

Ancelotti’s first match with the Canarinhas will be in Ecuador on June 5. Casemiro will then have the chance to play for the national team after a year and a half, from October 2023 – the 0-2 loss to Uruguay.

“The team needs players with personality and character like Casemiro,” Carletto explained, as he became the highest-paid coach at the national team level (and with many perks).

“ Brazil has always had a lot of talent,” he continued. “But modern football requires more attitude, commitment and effort. Casemiro has all of that, especially when preparing for a tournament like the World Cup.”

The Italian coach's debut in front of Brazilian audiences will be on June 10, in a match against Paraguay in Sao Paulo.

Brazil is currently ranked 4th in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America, with the same 21 points as Paraguay, 2 points behind second-placed Ecuador.

Therefore, the 2 matches with direct opponents in June play a key role for Canarinha, to win a direct ticket to North America (Canada - Mexico - USA).

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Antony returns after more than 2 years. Photo: EFE

The other notable return to the Brazil roster is Antony, who has not played internationally since March 2023.

Antony has exploded since joining Real Betis in January, in contrast to the stifling spell he endured at United.

Ancelotti said of his selection – which does not include Real Madrid players Rodrygo and Endrick – “I understand that the tactical system must depend on the characteristics of the players so that they feel comfortable.

I want to take advantage and enjoy the great quality that these players have. Now it's time to work on combining that quality to win the World Cup."

Brazil squad for matches against Ecuador and Paraguay:

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, Hugo Souza

Defenders: Alex Sandro, Lucas Beraldo, Augusto, Danilo, Leo Ortiz, Marquinhos, Vanderson, Wesley

Midfielders: Andreas Pereira, Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Ederson, Gerson.

Forwards: Antony, Gabriel Martinelli, Cunha, Raphinha, Richarlison, Vinicius.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/ancelotti-trieu-tap-brazil-co-casemori-va-antony-vang-neymar-2405156.html