With their spot in the 2026 World Cup already secured, the five-time champions, Brazil, are now balancing their final tournament preparations with adapting to life under their new head coach, Carlo Ancelotti.
Currently in only his third match at the helm, it`s understandable that Ancelotti`s vision for the Brazilian national team is still taking shape. Expectations, both from within the squad and from the public, are incredibly high. Not only will the Seleção arrive in North America seeking their first World Cup title in 24 years, but Ancelotti himself has set an ambitious benchmark. During his introductory press conference in May, he declared, “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.”
Ancelotti`s Brazil has yet to fully resemble the dominant 2022-23 Real Madrid squad. His initial outings saw a goalless draw against Ecuador and a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay. These results place the spotlight squarely on the team`s attacking prowess during the September international window. Thursday`s favorable matchup against CONMEBOL strugglers Chile presents an ideal opportunity for players to impress. As Ancelotti experiments with a blend of new talent and established stars, his team selections are drawing some attention as the World Cup countdown continues.
Here’s essential information before the match:
Match Details: Brazil vs. Chile
- Date: Thursday, September 4
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- TV Coverage: Universo
- Streaming Options: Fubo, Peacock
- Odds: Brazil -600; Draw +550; Chile +1300
Brazil to Play Without Neymar (Again)
Neymar has been absent from the Brazil squad for the second time under Ancelotti`s management, with the injury-prone star missing both international breaks. According to the head coach, Neymar was sidelined due to a “minor injury,” though Ancelotti also mentioned he “didn`t need to test” the 33-year-old. However, the player`s account differs.
“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 on Saturday, as reported by ESPN. “I wasn`t going to play against Bahía anyway [on August 24], 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 is not the only high-profile player missing this month. Vinicius Junior is reportedly being rested, while Rodrygo is also absent, with his status at Real Madrid uncertain despite his current commitment to the Spanish capital. Ancelotti will work with a mix of newcomers and veterans this month, many of whom are on the fringes of the roster but have a reasonable chance of making the final World Cup squad. Notable players on the current roster include Tottenham Hotspur`s Richarlison and Chelsea duo Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian.
Each of these players has performed commendably at the club level recently. Richarlison has scored two goals in three Premier League games, hopefully leaving an injury-plagued season behind him. The Chelsea duo are equally intriguing: Joao Pedro has netted 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 early days in England.
