Brazil head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has left Real Madrid forward, Vinicius Junior, out of his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.
The Selecão face Chile in Santiago on September 5 before returning home to play Bolivia on September 10. Vinicius, however, will play no part in either match.
The decision comes as the 25-year-old is already suspended for the first fixture against Chile. Rather than flying him across continents to feature in just one game, Ancelotti has decided the winger should stay in Madrid to rest and prepare for the long season ahead.
Brazil’s current campaign has been mixed. They sit third in the CONMEBOL standings, trailing rivals Argentina in first and Ecuador in second. Their most recent outing in June ended in a narrow but morale-boosting 1-0 win over Paraguay, giving Ancelotti’s men momentum as they approach the September fixtures.
Vinicius’ absence means Brazil will rely more heavily on their attacking depth, with the likes of Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Gabriel Martinelli expected to carry the creative burden.
Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil earlier this year, has emphasized a balanced approach, blending the flair traditionally associated with Brazilian football with tactical discipline.
Vinicius has established himself as one of Real Madrid’s standout performers in recent seasons, playing a central role in their Champions League and La Liga campaigns. His pace, dribbling, and improved finishing have made him a nightmare for defenders.
On the international scene, since making his senior debut for Brazil in 2019, Vinicius has grown into a vital part of the national team setup. He was a key figure in Brazil’s 2022 World Cup campaign, scoring against South Korea in the Round of 16.
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