Brazil, having already secured their place in the 2026 World Cup, is now fully focused on fine-tuning their squad and adapting to the new managerial era under Carlo Ancelotti. This phase is crucial for the five-time champions as they prepare for next summer`s prestigious tournament.
With only two matches completed since taking the helm, Ancelotti`s vision for the national team is understandably still taking shape. Both internal and external expectations are exceptionally high; the Seleção approaches the North American tournament 24 years removed from their last World Cup victory. Ancelotti himself has set an ambitious benchmark, declaring at his introductory press conference in May: “My Brazil will play like Real Madrid, but not like Real Madrid this year, rather like Real Madrid last year. That`s what I want.”
However, Ancelotti`s Brazil hasn`t yet fully mirrored the dominant Real Madrid he envisions. His initial fixtures included a goalless draw against Ecuador and a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay. These results place renewed emphasis on the attacking performance during the current September international window. Thursday`s favorable encounter against CONMEBOL bottom-dwellers Chile presents an ideal opportunity for players to impress. Ancelotti`s approach involves blending fresh talents with seasoned veterans, a selection process that hasn`t been entirely free of controversy as the World Cup countdown continues.
Key details for the match are provided below:
How to Watch Brazil vs. Chile
- 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`s Squad Without Neymar (Again)
Neymar has been omitted from Brazil`s squad for the second consecutive time under Ancelotti`s tenure, with the injury-prone star missing both recent international breaks. Ancelotti attributed Neymar`s absence to a “minor injury,” also noting he “didn`t need to test” the 33-year-old. However, Neymar presented a different account.
“It was some swelling I had in my adductor, some discomfort, but it was nothing serious, so much so that I played today,” Neymar stated after completing 90 minutes for Santos in their 0-0 draw against Fluminense, as reported by ESPN. “I wasn`t going to play against Bahía anyway, so they preferred to save me some training sessions, to leave me out 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 absent this month. Vinicius Junior is reportedly being rested, and Rodrygo is also missing amidst uncertainty regarding his role at Real Madrid, despite remaining in the Spanish capital for now. Ancelotti is working with a mix of new faces and experienced players, many of whom are on the fringes of the roster but have a reasonable chance of making the final World Cup squad. Notable inclusions on the current roster feature Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea`s duo, Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian.
Each of these players has performed commendably at the club level recently. Richarlison has already netted two goals in three Premier League games, suggesting he has moved past his injury-plagued previous season. The Chelsea pair are equally intriguing: Joao Pedro boasts five goals in six games since joining the Blues midway through their successful Club World Cup campaign, while the 18-year-old Estevao has surprisingly made a strong impression in his initial days in England.
