Brazil officially call-up Manchester United duo against France and Croatia

São Paulo—Brazil’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup have taken another decisive step forward, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti unveiling a 26-man squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed the selection on Monday, locking in two current Manchester United players among the group that will assemble on 23 March.

Veteran midfielder Casemiro, a staple of the national team for more than a decade, headlines the Premier League contingent. The 32-year-old, who swapped Real Madrid for Old Trafford in 2022, continues to anchor Brazil’s midfield and is expected to wear the armband at various points during the camp. Joining him is Matheus Cunha, the dynamic forward whose recent move to Manchester United has accelerated his ascent into Ancelotti’s attacking plans. Cunha’s versatility across the front line has made him an increasingly valuable option as Brazil fine-tunes its final World Cup roster.

The Seleção will meet France on 26 March at Gillette Stadium in Boston before travelling south to Orlando’s Camping World Stadium to face Croatia on 31 March. Both fixtures were deliberately scheduled against top-tier opposition: France remain perennial contenders for silverware, while Croatia have reached at least the quarter-finals in each of the past three major tournaments. The double-header represents Brazil’s last competitive audition before Ancelotti trims the squad to the official World Cup delegation.

Fresh faces have also been invited to stake their claim. Defensive midfielder Gabriel Sara, centre-back Leo Pereira, winger Rayan and striker Igor Thiago are among the first-time call-ups, underscoring the coaching staff’s desire to balance experience with emerging talent. Players are due to report to the national team’s training complex on 23 March, after which the group will shuttle between Orlando and Boston as tactical rehearsals intensify.

With the World Cup looming, Ancelotti stressed that performances in these two matches will carry significant weight in final squad deliberations. “Every session, every minute on the pitch matters,” the coach told CBF media. “We have a strong core, but places are still available for players who show they can handle the highest level.”

Brazil supporters will get an early glimpse of the team’s evolving identity when they face Les Bleus in New England, followed by the Vatreni in the Sunshine State. For Casemiro, Cunha and a host of hopefuls, the stage is set for one last statement before global football’s biggest showpiece.