Brazil will close out the year’s FIFA international window in November with two friendly matches, as head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced a 26-man squad on Monday night. Once again, Neymar Jr. has been left out of the national team, while experienced midfielder Fabinho, currently playing in the Saudi Pro League, has earned a recall despite being away from the spotlight in recent months.
Both of Brazil’s opponents in this window are African nations that have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On November 15, the five-time world champions will face Senegal at London’s Emirates Stadium. Three days later, on November 18, they will take on Tunisia at the Decathlon Stadium in Lille, France.
The fixtures have been deliberately arranged to provide Brazil’s players with valuable experience against African opposition ahead of the upcoming World Cup. With stars like Vinícius Júnior and Casemiro leading the squad, Ancelotti is using these matches to test depth and adaptability while continuing preparations for the global tournament.
The absence of Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, remains a major talking point. Despite his return to club football after injury setbacks, Ancelotti has opted not to include him, signaling that the forward’s role in the national team remains uncertain as the World Cup approaches.
Meanwhile, Fabinho’s recall highlights Ancelotti’s intent to blend youth with seasoned professionals. The midfielder, who last featured prominently for Brazil during the 2022 World Cup cycle, is seen as a reliable option to support Casemiro in central midfield.
With the World Cup less than a year away, these matches against Senegal and Tunisia will serve as Brazil’s final international tests of 2025, offering the squad a chance to sharpen tactics and build cohesion before the decisive year ahead.
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