Brazil's strongest possible XI ahead of historic India friendly
The Brazilian national team will face India at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on 3rd October 2026 in the final game of the September-October international break, marking Brazil’s first match since their elimination in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Brazil arrive in India after two friendlies in Australia — a 1-1 draw followed by a 4-2 win — with a heavily rotated squad announced by Carlo Ancelotti that retains just nine World Cup stars as he begins to build a core for the next four-year cycle. Several injury concerns have affected selection: Wesley and João Pedro withdrew before the camp and were replaced by Martinelli and Vanderson, while Raphinha pulled out of the India match with a thigh injury.
Ancelotti omitted Alisson, Ederson and Weverton and called up Otavio, Pedro Morisco and Hugo Souza in goal; Hugo Souza remains the most experienced goalkeeper in the group at 27. Hugo Souza was tested in the first friendly against Australia and Otavio started the second, leaving Pedro Morisco poised to get his chance against India; Morisco is noted in the squad report for a strong record in penalty situations and the ability to operate as a sweeper-keeper.
In defence Douglas Santos, who started every Brazil game at the World Cup, is expected to be the first-choice left-back but could be substituted to accommodate debutant Mauro Júnior, who has been handed a call-up. The centre-back pairing is likely to feature Gabriel — the Arsenal defender who played every minute at the World Cup — alongside captain Marquinhos, with Bremer omitted; Ancelotti may also test Arthur Dias amid a new group of centre-backs that includes Jair Cunha and Vitor Reis, all described as new to the national-team setup.
Wesley returned to the squad for the friendlies after missing Brazil’s World Cup flight but suffered another injury and was replaced by Vanderson, an aggressive full-back noted for tackles, recoveries and the ability to supply dangerous crosses. Vanderson opened the scoring in Brazil’s 4–2 win over Australia with a right-footed strike from the edge of the box.
Bruno Guimarães is now identified as Brazil’s most experienced midfielder after Casemiro, Paquetá and Fabinho were left out following the World Cup; Guimarães registered four assists at the tournament and is credited with vision, ball recovery and the ability to play line-breaking passes. Danilo retains his place in midfield, described as a Botafogo player who has served as Casemiro’s understudy and is valued for tackles, interceptions, composure and the capacity to progress the ball.
In attack Vinícius is expected to start on the left and converted a penalty for Brazil’s fourth goal in the 4-2 win over Australia, with Samuel Lino the only other natural left-wing option in the squad. Raphinha — reported to have scored 14 goals in eight appearances for FC Barcelona across all competitions and to have assisted in the first Australia game before scoring in the second — has been ruled out with a thigh injury, opening the door for Gabriel Bontempo, who registered an assist in the last match and is cited for versatility and late runs. Rayan is preferred on the right wing and, according to the squad notes, plays for AFC Bournemouth; he produced a 90+5 stoppage-time equaliser to salvage the draw in Australia. João Pedro withdrew from the camp with a knee injury after a run of six goal contributions in four Premier League games, which increases opportunities for Endrick, who has scored four times for Brazil and provided an assist in the recent friendly after replacing the injured Raphinha.
India and Brazil meet on 3rd October 2026 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 pm IST.