Ancelotti leaves Alisson out as he builds a Brazil squad with 2027 in mind

No Alisson. None of the usual names who fell just short at the World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti shook things up again on Thursday with a Brazil squad announcement that makes clear where he wants to take this project: younger, fresher, and squarely focused on 2027.

The Canarinha will play two friendlies in Asia: on November 14 against Japan in Singapore, and three days later, on November 17, against the hosts in the same country. These are the first matches since Brazil's round of 16 exit at the World Cup, a blow that still shapes every decision the Italian coach makes.

The numbers in the squad list say it all: nine players of Olympic age and 15 footballers under 23. This isn't a minor tweak, it's a bold bet on generational renewal.

"We need to make the most of 2027"

Ancelotti was direct in explaining the project's timeline. The goal isn't to win right now, but to build with patience toward the major tournaments ahead.

"During this period leading up to 2027, we need to do this work to find a clear direction. I believe that by the first friendlies of 2028, when qualifying begins along with preparation for the Copa America, we'll have a more settled team"Carlo Ancelotti

He was even more direct about why he left out established names like Alisson Becker, the Liverpool goalkeeper and one of the World Cup veterans once again missing from the list.

"We don't need to test Alisson, for example. We know him very well, he's the best goalkeeper. When the Copa America starts, he'll be called up, and the same goes for the others. Right now is the time to look around, refresh the squad, and help the young players reach their full potential"Carlo Ancelotti

Within that evaluation plan sits one particular case: Estevao, just 19 years old, who keeps his place on the roster despite having started only two matches this season at Chelsea under Xabi Alonso. Ancelotti makes no secret that his patience with the young winger is deliberate.

"We hope he can show all the quality he has. We'll keep following him closely. Even if he doesn't play a single minute at Chelsea, we'll keep monitoring him, at least until we reach the point where we decide he won't be useful for the national team," the coach explained, adding that "as long as we believe he can be useful for the national team, we'll track his progress, letting him develop at a natural pace, as fits someone who's 19. Our goals are different from Chelsea's."

Another detail explains the shape of this squad: the coaching staff chose not to call up players from Brazilian clubs still deep in the fight for the domestic title, so teams like Palmeiras, Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro went without representatives.

Among those called up are Bento, Lucas Perri and Pedro Morisco in goal; a backline featuring Gabriel Magalhaes, Wesley, Vanderson and Vitor Reis, among others; a midfield with Bruno Guimaraes, Andre, Andrey Santos and Joao Gomes; and up front, a blend of experience and fresh blood with Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Estevao and Rayan.