João Pedro, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha
Brazil is starting a rebuild after a poor showing in the 2026 World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti has called up Chelsea striker João Pedro and Barcelona captain Raphinha for friendlies against Australia and India.
PUNCH Online reported on Wednesday that the first international break of the 2026/27 football season is from September 21 to October 6, 2026.
This break is longer than usual. It lasts about 16 days, allowing national teams to play up to four matches, instead of the usual two.
FIFA combined the regular September and October breaks into one longer period.
In the Premier League and most major European leagues, club football will stop after Matchweek 5, which is around September 19-20. It will restart with Matchweek 6 around October 10.
Raphinha missed the World Cup due to injury. João Pedro was also left out of the tournament squad.
Their return is a highlight in a mostly young Brazil squad announced by the Brazilian Football Confederation on Wednesday. Ancelotti is starting a new phase after the five-time world champions’ disappointing World Cup.
Neymar, who hinted at retiring from international football after the World Cup, is no longer in the squad. Ancelotti is also considering many young players.
ESPN reported on Wednesday that the 26-man squad includes Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Endrick, Chelsea’s Estêvão, Tottenham forward Rayan, João Pedro from Chelsea, and Samuel Lino from Atlético Madrid.
More established players still in the squad include Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos, and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães.
The squad also has eight players who did not take part in the World Cup. These include goalkeeper Pedro Morisco, defenders Arthur Dias and Jair, midfielder Breno Bidon, and Gabriel Bontempo.
Ancelotti said the friendlies will help them look at younger players as Brazil prepares for future tournaments.
"With these three friendly matches, we will begin a new cycle to project the National Team towards the goals of the coming years, which are the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup," Ancelotti said, according to the Brazilian federation’s website.
"We will take advantage of these three friendlies to call up new players for the National Team, especially young players, who can showcase their talent in the coming years."
Raphinha’s comeback is especially important since he missed the World Cup with a hamstring injury. He was expected to play a big role for Ancelotti but had to sit out the tournament due to this injury.
Pedro now has another chance with the national team after he also missed out on the World Cup squad.
Brazil will face Australia twice during this international break. The first match is on September 25 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville. The second match is on September 29 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
They will then play India at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on October 3.
This match against India will be their first meeting at senior international level. Brazil last played against Australia in June 2017, winning 4-0 in Melbourne with goals from Diego Souza, Thiago Silva, and Taison.
The Brazilian federation announced another Asian tour in November. Ancelotti’s side will play Japan on November 14 and Singapore on November 17.
These matches give Ancelotti a chance to shape Brazil’s new team after the World Cup. João Pedro and Raphinha are among the familiar faces returning, while a new generation is starting to come up.
Future international breaks in the 2026/27 season are planned for November 9-17, 2026, and March 22-30, 2027.
This change was made partly because of the late finish of the 2026 World Cup, which ended on July 19, and to consider player welfare and travel.
Notable players missing include Brentford’s Igor Thiago, who was at the World Cup, and Al Hilal’s new player from Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇