The Brazilian national team, five-time world champions, has already secured its place at the 2026 World Cup. Nevertheless, the team continues its preparations for the upcoming tournament, adapting to the new demands of head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
As this is only Ancelotti`s third match in charge of Brazil, it`s understandable that his vision for the team is not yet fully realized. Expectations, both domestically and internationally, are very high: the `Seleção` will arrive in North America 24 years after their last World Cup victory. Ancelotti himself set a high bar, stating at his May press conference: “My Brazil will play like Real Madrid, but not like this year`s Real Madrid, rather like last year`s Real Madrid. That`s what I want.”
Ancelotti`s Brazil has not yet demonstrated a playing style similar to Real Madrid`s 2023-24 season, as evidenced by a 0-0 draw with Ecuador and a 1-0 win over Paraguay in his initial matches. These results suggest that the attack will once again be the focus during the September international window. The upcoming Thursday match against Chile, a CONMEBOL bottom-dweller, provides an excellent opportunity for all players to impress. Ancelotti is mixing new faces with experienced footballers, and his selection is not without some controversy as the World Cup countdown continues.
Here`s what you need to know before tuning in.
How to Watch Brazil vs. Chile, Odds
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 4 | Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Maracana – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- TV: Universo | Stream: Fubo, Peacock
- Odds: Brazil -600; Draw +550; Chile +1300
Brazil Plays Again Without Neymar
Neymar has missed out on the Brazil squad for the second time under Ancelotti. The injury-prone star has been sidelined for both international breaks – at least according to the head coach. Ancelotti stated he decided against selecting Neymar due to a “minor injury,” though he also admitted he “didn`t need to test” the 33-year-old. However, the player himself tells a different story.
“I had some swelling in my adductor, some discomfort, but it was nothing serious; I even played today,” Neymar said after playing 90 minutes for Santos in their 0-0 draw against Fluminense on Saturday, as reported by ESPN. “I wasn`t going to play against Bahía anyway [on August 24], so they preferred to let me rest from training sessions so I could recover. I was left out for technical reasons; it has nothing to do with my physical condition. It`s the coach`s opinion, and I respect it. Since I`m out, we`ll just have to support the team.”
Neymar isn`t the only high-profile player missing this month`s camp. Vinicius Junior is reportedly being rested, and Rodrygo is also absent, as his future at Real Madrid remains uncertain, even if he is staying in the Spanish capital for now. Ancelotti will work with a mix of newcomers and veterans this month, all of whom, despite being on the squad`s fringes, have a real chance of making the World Cup roster. Notable players in the squad include Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea duo Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian.
All of them have performed well at the club level this summer: Richarlison scored two goals in three Premier League games, hopefully leaving an injury-plagued season behind him. The Chelsea duo, however, are equally fascinating in their own right: Joao Pedro has scored five goals in six games since joining the Blues midway through their victorious Club World Cup run, and 18-year-old Estevao has surprisingly impressed in his early days in England.
