Brazil Names Squad for Upcoming Friendlies Ahead of World Cup Preparations

Brasilia. Brazil has announced its squad for the final preparations for the World Cup scheduled for June. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has included Brentford striker Igor Thiago, who is making waves in the Premier League, and Bournemouth winger Ryan for the first time in the national team for friendly matches against France and Croatia.

The 24-year-old Thiago is currently second on the Premier League's top goalscorers list this season, trailing Erling Haaland with 19 goals. Although Thiago, who joined the club for \u00a330 million in 2024, struggled with injuries in his initial season, he has now found form.

Brentford coach Keith Andrews stated that Thiago's success brings pride to the club. Similarly, 19-year-old Ryan secured his place in the squad after an impressive performance immediately following his arrival in the Premier League from Brazilian club Vasco da Gama in January.

Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara and Flamengo defender Leo Pereira are also new faces in the Brazilian squad this time. Meanwhile, 19-year-old young star Endrick, who is on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid, has made a comeback after a year's absence. He recently proved his capability by scoring a hat-trick on his debut for Lyon.

However, Brazilian football legend Neymar could not make it to the squad this time either. Coach Ancelotti clarified that the 34-year-old Neymar was not called up because he is not fully fit. Neymar, who has been out of the national team since October 2023, remains uncertain about making the final World Cup squad.

Brazil will face France in Boston on March 26 and play against Croatia in Orlando on March 31. In the World Cup starting June 13, Brazil is placed in Group 'C' alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. The performance in these friendly matches will be the final opportunity for the players to secure their ticket to the World Cup.

Brazil Squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahce)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Gabriel Magalh 0es (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley

Midfielders: Andr 039 Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Ryan (Bournemouth), Vinicius J 03a9der (Barcelona)