Casemiro, Antony, Martinelli named in Ancelotti's maiden Brazil squad
Casemiro returns for the first time since 2023 and has been rewarded for a strong second half of the season with Manchester United.
Newly installed Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has called up on loan Manchester United winger Antony as well as Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli in his maiden selection for upcoming matches.
In an official communique from the Brazil Football Federation (CBF), Ancelotti named a 25-man squad.
The Brazilians have won the World Cup five times, with the most recent triumph in 2002, and Ancelotti's first games with them are two South American World Cup qualifiers.
They play against Ecuador away on 5 June before a home game against Paraguay in Sao Paulo on June 10.
Brazil are fourth in South American World Cup qualifying with four matches to go, with the top six teams earning direct qualification to the competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Casemiro returns for the first time since 2023 and has been rewarded for a strong second half of the season with Manchester United.
He is also joined by Richarlison, who returns to the fray also for the first time since 2023 following his displays for victorious club side Tottenham in the UEFA Europa League.
The 25-man group also includes Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, Arsenal forward Martinelli, and Wolves' Matheus Cunha, who is set to move to Manchester United.
Antony, on loan at Real Betis from Manchester United, is expected to play in the Conference League final for the Spanish side against Chelsea on Wednesday and he has also been picked.
"I'm honoured and proud to lead the best team in the world," Ancelotti told CBF Media as he begins the latest chapter of a truly illustrious career.
Brazil Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians).
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Ortiz, Wesley (all Flamengo), Alexsandro (Lille), Lucas Beraldo, Marquinhos (both Paris St-Germain), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Vanderson (Monaco).
Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), Gerson (Flamengo).
Forwards: Antony (Real Betis), Estevao (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid).
