Vinicius Jr, Raphinha come to India: Brazil announce 26-man squad for India friendly

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named a star-studded 26-man squad for the upcoming international friendly against India on October 3. Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr and Barcelona winger Raphinha are among the headline names set to travel to India for the historic match against the Blue Tigers.

Brazil’s squad is loaded with some of the biggest names in world football. Alongside Vinicius and Raphinha, Ancelotti also included Marquinhos, Bruno Guimaraes, Douglas Luiz, Endrick, Estevao and Joao Pedro.

However, there are several notable absentees in the squad. Goalkeeping duo Alisson and Ederson have not been included, while Neymar will also miss out after announcing that his time with the national team is over after the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Experienced midfielder Casemiro, one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation, was also not selected for the friendly.

Ancelotti has also injected some young blood into the defensive unit, with Jair Cunha and Vitor Reis earning call-ups. Nottingham Forest and Manchester City youngsters are among the fresh faces in the squad as Brazil continue to build towards the future.

VINICIUS, RAPHINHA SET FOR TRIP TO INDIA

The biggest attraction for Indian football fans will undoubtedly be the arrival of Vinicius Jr. and Raphinhy. Two of the most famous stars in world football today, the Real Madrid and Barcelona forwards, are expected to headline Brazil’s visit to India.

Kolkata are set to host Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil in historic surroundings international friendly against the Blue Tigers At Salt Lake Stadium on October 3. The prospect of Vinicius and Raphinha taking to the pitch in India is expected to make the match one of the biggest international football events to take place in the country in recent times.

The visit to Brazil will present a rare opportunity to the Indian team test themselves against one of world football’s most successful nations, while fans will have the chance to watch some of the game’s biggest stars in action.

BRAZIL UNION FOR INDIA FRIENDLY

Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco, Otavio

Defenders: Arthur Dias, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jair Cunha, Marquinhos, Matheuzinho, Mauro Jr., Vitor Reis, Wesley

Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Breno, Bruno Guimares, Danilo, Douglas Luiz, Gabriel Bontempo,

attackers: Endrick, Estevao, Joao Pedro, Pedro, Raphinha, Rayan, Samuel Lino, Vinicus Jr

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

09 Sep 2026 23:45 IST