Vinicius Jr Left Out as Carlo Ancelotti Announces Brazil Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed what many had already suspected: Vinícius Júnior will not be part of the squad for the September World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia. The Real Madrid winger Vinicius is suspended for the first match, which takes place at the Maracanã against Chile, and that suspension effectively made his call-up a half-measure. Rather than bring him into camp only to sit him out in Rio and then fly him to the extreme altitude of El Alto for one game against Bolivia, Ancelotti has chosen to leave him out altogether. It’s not a decision based on form or fitness. Vinícius has been in fine shape at Real Madrid and remains one of the cornerstones of Brazil’s attack. This is simply a case of smart management.

Brazil have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, which means there is no urgent need to squeeze every drop of quality out of the squad in the final rounds of qualifying. Manager Ancelotti has the breathing room to rest a player who has carried a heavy workload and to look at alternatives in competitive conditions.

Why is Vinícius Jr. not in Brazil Squad for WC Qualifiers?

The key factor behind Vinícius’ omission is simple: he is suspended for the clash against Chile due to yellow card accumulation. That suspension would already restrict him to a single appearance in this window. Instead of flying him in for just one match, Ancelotti has chosen to spare him the physical demands of the Bolivia game, which is played at extreme altitude in El Alto. It’s a decision that balances club and country interests. Real Madrid, who are beginning life under new manager Xabi Alonso, will welcome the fact that their star forward will get a rare mid-season breather. For Brazil, the absence of one player, however important, is not catastrophic given the attacking depth available. Sources in Brazil have stressed that this is not a disciplinary call or a question of form; Vinícius remains central to Ancelotti’s long-term plans. Instead, it’s a tactical and medical judgment, made easier by Brazil’s early qualification for the World Cup.

Brazil Coach Carlo Ancelotti Opts For Squad Rotation

Vinícius is not the only high-profile absentee. Reports indicate that Éder Militão may also miss this round as he continues his careful return from an ACL injury. While the defender has already resumed club duties, the Brazil staff prefer to avoid rushing him into competitive international fixtures. Other names, such as Rodrygo, have been the subject of speculation. Some outlets have suggested that Ancelotti could rest him as well, while others expect him to be called up.

The final list will confirm these details, but what is clear is that Ancelotti is using this window to test Brazil’s depth and to evaluate options ahead of next year’s Copa América and the World Cup itself. According to reports in Globo and OneFootball, Ancelotti’s squad list hints at chances for players who don’t always make the headlines. Some reports in Brazil have mentioned Kaio Jorge and Douglas Santos as possible inclusions. They’re not exactly household names at the international level, but their presence suggests Ancelotti is open to mixing things up a bit. He’s never been a coach who relies solely on the stars; his squads usually have room for players who can come in, do their job, and maintain the overall balance of the group.