Vinicius Dropped from Brazil Squad for World Cup Qualifiers by Ancelotti

Brazil head coach, Carlo Ancelotti has decided not to include Vinicius Junior in the squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.

Brazil face Chile on September 5 and Bolivia on September 10 in crucial CONMEBOL qualifying fixtures. Vinicius Junior is already suspended for the Chile match, and Ancelotti has chosen to keep the Real Madrid winger rested in Madrid rather than travel to Bolivia for just one game.

Currently, Brazil sit third in the qualifiers group, trailing leaders Argentina and second-placed Ecuador. The Seleção are coming off a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay in June.

With qualification hopes on the line, Brazil will be aiming for a vital win against Chile to strengthen their position in the race for the 2026 World Cup.