See the list of players called up for the upcoming friendlies in June

1 year back Diego 9 minutes reading time

The month of June promises to be a milestone for Brazilian football, with the Brazilian National Team taking to the field for friendlies that will serve as a laboratory for coach Carlo Ancelotti to fine-tune the team for the 2026 World Cup.

The recently announced squad for these games features a mix of experience, youth, and some surprises that spark debate among fans and analysts.

This article delves into the national team's squad for the upcoming friendlies in June, exploring the tactical choices, the players' impact, and what these matches represent for Brazil's future on the global stage.

The Context of Friendlies and the New Ancelotti Era

With the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most successful coaches in football history, the Brazilian national team is experiencing a period of transition.

After Tite's departure and Fernando Diniz and Dorival Júnior's interim periods, Ancelotti takes over with the mission of rescuing the essence of the "beautiful game" while adapting the team to the demands of modern football.

The June friendlies, against Japan (June 6, in Tokyo) and another team yet to be confirmed (June 10, in São Paulo), are the initial stage for the Italian to test his ideas.

Why are these matches so crucial? Besides serving as preparation for the qualifiers, they offer Ancelotti the chance to observe players in real-world competition situations.

It's like a chef experimenting with new ingredients before creating his masterpiece: each choice in the national team's squad for the upcoming June friendlies reflects a clear intention to balance raw talent and tactical cohesion.

Furthermore, pressure from fans and expectations surrounding the team are factors that can influence players' performance.

Friendlies are an opportunity not only to test formations, but also to strengthen the connection between the team and the fans.

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The Squad List: A Tactical Analysis

The call, announced on May 26, 2025, at the CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, brought 25 names that mix established stars, rising promises and surprising returns.

Below, we present the complete list of players called up for the national team for the upcoming friendlies in June, as published on the website ge.globo.com:

Table 1: List of Brazilian National Team Players for the June 2025 Friendlies

Position	Player	Club
Goalkeepers	Alisson	Liverpool (ENG)
	Benedict	Al-Nassr (ARA)
	Hugo Souza	Corinthians (BRA)
Defenders	Marquinhos	PSG (FRA)
	Leo Ortiz	Flamengo (BRA)
	Beraldo	PSG (FRA)
	Alexsandro Ribeiro	Lille (FRA)
Sides	Danilo	Flamengo (BRA)
	Alex Sandro	Flamengo (BRA)
	Carlos Augusto	Inter Milan (ITA)
	Vanderson	Monaco (FRA)
	Wesley	Flamengo (BRA)
Midfielders	Casemiro	Manchester United (ENG)
	Bruno Guimarães	Newcastle (ENG)
	Gerson	Flamengo (BRA)
	Ederson	Atalanta (ITA)
	Andrey Santos	Strasbourg (FRA)
	Andreas Pereira	Fulham (ENG)
Attackers	Vinicius Jr.	Real Madrid (ESP)
	Raphinha	Barcelona (ESP)
	Richarlison	Tottenham (ENG)
	Stephen	Palmeiras (BRA)
	Antony	Manchester United (ENG)
	Gabriel Martinelli	Arsenal (ENG)
	Matheus Cunha	Wolverhampton (ENG)

This list reflects Ancelotti's attempt to build a versatile squad, with players who can play in multiple roles.

A clear example is the call-up of Carlos Augusto, from Inter Milan, who can play as a left-back or winger, offering tactical flexibility.

Another interesting case is Andrey Santos, a young midfielder from Strasbourg, whose inclusion signals an eye on the future, but also confidence in his ability to deliver immediately.

For more information about the call and tactical analysis, you can visit the website ESPN Brazil.

Surprises and Absences: The Debate Over Neymar

One of the biggest controversies surrounding the call-up was the absence of Neymar, Santos star and the top scorer in the history of the Brazilian national team, with 79 goals in 128 games, according to CBF data.

After returning from a serious knee injury in 2023, Neymar has shown flashes of brilliance in the Brasileirão, with three goals and three assists in seven appearances for Santos in 2025.

However, Ancelotti chose to leave him out, prioritizing players with better competitive rhythm in Europe.

This decision raises the question: does Neymar, at 33, still have room to be the star of the national team?

On the other hand, the presence of five Flamengo players — Danilo, Alex Sandro, Léo Ortiz, Gerson and Wesley — highlights the strength of Brazilian football in the call-up.

Rubro-Negro, current leader of the Brasileirão, has stood out for its consistency, and Ancelotti seems to value the chemistry already established between these athletes.

A hypothetical example would be to imagine Gerson and Bruno Guimarães forming a defensive midfield duo that combines physical strength and creativity, something that could be tested in friendlies.

Furthermore, Neymar's absence could open up space for other players to step up and take on responsibilities that were previously his.

This could be an opportunity for new leaders to emerge within the team, which is essential for the future of the team.

Ancelotti's Strategy: Balance Between Tradition and Modernity

Ancelotti, with five Champions League titles, is known for adapting his tactics to the available squads, without imposing a rigid model.

In the June friendlies, he is expected to experiment with formations such as the 4-3-3, which values the speed of Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha on the flanks, or the 4-2-3-1, with Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro anchoring the midfield.

The choice of players like Estêvão, Palmeiras' young prospect, suggests that Ancelotti wants to inject energy and unpredictability into the attack.

A relevant fact comes from a survey by Opta Sports, which indicates that Brazil had, in 2024, an average ball possession of 58% in official games, but converted only 12% of the chances created.

This number indicates the need to improve attacking efficiency, something Ancelotti can address with players like Richarlison, who returns after a good run of form at Tottenham, and Matheus Cunha, Wolverhampton's top scorer.

Furthermore, the tactical flexibility that Ancelotti seeks to implement could be crucial when facing opponents with different playing styles.

The ability to change formations during a match can be a key differentiator, especially in international competitions.

Table 2: Statistics of Players Called Up in the 2024/2025 Season

Player	Club	Games	Goals	Assistance
Vinicius Jr.	Real Madrid (ESP)	28	15	8
Raphinha	Barcelona (ESP)	26	10	12
Bruno Guimarães	Newcastle (ENG)	30	3	7
Stephen	Palmeiras (BRA)	22	7	5
Richarlison	Tottenham (ENG)	25	9	4

The Impact of Friendlies on the Global Stage

The June friendlies are not just tactical tests, but also a showcase for Brazil to reaffirm its position in world football.

Facing Japan, a team known for its organization and speed, will be a challenge for the Brazilian defense, especially for young players like Beraldo and Alexsandro Ribeiro.

The second game, at home, at Neo Química Arena, promises to be an opportunity for Brazilian fans to rekindle their passion for the national team.

Think of Brazil as a racing car undergoing adjustments: Ancelotti is the engineer who calibrates the engine, testing new parts (young talents) and maintaining reliable components (veterans like Casemiro and Alisson).

Each friendly is a test lap, where mistakes are allowed, but the search for perfection is constant.

Furthermore, performance in friendlies can influence expectations for the qualifiers and the World Cup, increasing the pressure on players.

Fans expect to see a cohesive and competitive team capable of facing the challenges that lie ahead.

The Role of Brazilian Football in the Call-up

The strong presence of Brasileirão players, especially from Flamengo, reflects the quality of the national championship.

Imagine a young fan in São Paulo, thrilled to see Hugo Souza, Corinthians' goalkeeper, called up to the national team.

This inclusion not only boosts the morale of local clubs, but also reinforces the idea that Brazilian football.

On the other hand, the absence of names like Endrick, who has had few minutes at Real Madrid, shows that Ancelotti prioritizes the current moment of the athletes, regardless of their potential.

Furthermore, the appreciation of national players can encourage more young people to dedicate themselves to football, knowing that their performances can lead to selection.

This cycle of recognition is fundamental for the growth of the sport in Brazil.

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Expectations and Reflections for the Future

Those called up for the national team's upcoming friendlies in June carry the responsibility of starting a new cycle on the right foot.

Ancelotti, with his experience, knows that success comes not only from talent, but from collective work.

Neymar's absence could be a message that no one is guaranteed a place, while the inclusion of youngsters like Estêvão and Andrey Santos points to a long-term project.

What can we expect from these games? More than just victories, the friendlies are a chance for Brazil to rediscover its identity.

The fans want a spectacle, but also results.

Ancelotti's call-up is a first step, but the road to 2026 will be long.

With players in good form and a coach who understands the importance of the yellow jersey, Brazil has everything it needs to shine.

Furthermore, the support of the fans will be crucial to creating a positive and motivating environment.

Unity between players and fans could be the key to success in future competitions.