Ancelotti Names Casemiro, Antony in Brazil Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed as Brazil's new national soccer team head coach, marking the first full-time foreign coach for the five-time World Cup champions in a century. In his first squad announcement for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, Ancelotti recalled Manchester United stars Casemiro and Antony, both returning after extended absences. Casemiro, who captained Brazil at the 2022 World Cup but had been sidelined for about a year, has experienced a resurgence with United and reunites with Ancelotti, with whom he had great success at Real Madrid. Antony, now excelling at Real Betis with impressive goal and assist numbers, is also back in the fold despite past off-field issues. Notably omitted were Neymar, still recovering from injury, and Rodrygo, while the squad blends youth with experienced players like Danilo and Alex Sandro. Ancelotti emphasized the need for attitude, commitment, and sacrifice alongside talent as Brazil aims to regain its top form after a six-year major title drought.