Official: Vinicius, Endrick named in Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies

Carlo Ancelotti has unveiled his first Brazil squad of 2026, selecting a 25-man party for pre-World Cup friendlies against France and Croatia in the United States later this month. Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. headlines the list, while teenage striker Endrick has earned a recall after a prolific loan spell at Lyon.

The matches, set for 26 March and 31 March respectively, represent Brazil’s final competitive tune-ups before this summer’s World Cup in North America. Ancelotti, appointed last year, views the fixtures as pivotal to settling his starting XI and tactical shape.

Vinicius, 25, arrives in camp on the back of consistent club form and is expected to anchor the left flank. Although his international returns have yet to mirror his Madrid exploits, staff sources say the forward remains central to the Selecao’s attacking blueprint.

Endrick’s inclusion rewards a scintillating half-season in Ligue 1. Since joining Lyon on loan, the 19-year-old has struck six goals and supplied four assists in 12 appearances, forcing his way into contention for one of the No. 9 berths in the final 23-man roster for the global showpiece.

Notable absentees are fellow Madrid men Rodrygo and Eder Militao. Rodrygo will miss the entire World Cup after rupturing an ACL last month, while Militao continues to recover from a separate injury issue. Their omissions open minutes on the wing and in central defence for squad hopefuls eager to impress before the final cut.

Brazil will assemble in Miami early next week, with Ancelotti planning intensive sessions focused on defensive transitions and set-piece efficiency. The camp concludes with the double-header against two fellow heavyweight nations, offering the five-time champions a stern gauge of readiness with kick-off in North America fewer than 100 days away.