India vs Brazil: Vinicius, Raphinha, Marquinhos included in star-studded squad

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Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, Barcelona winger Raphinha, and Paris Saint-Germain star Marquinhos are all included in a strong Brazil 26-member squad for their first-ever meeting with India on October 3.

The five-time world champions will take on the Indian national team at Kolkata’s iconic Salt Lake Stadium at 7.30 pm local time in what promises to be a historic evening for Indian sports. The contest comes at the end of a two-game tour of Australia, where Carlo Ancelotti’s team will play the hosts in Townsville on September 25 and Brisbane on September 29.

Carlo Ancelotti revealed his first squad selection since the 2026 World Cup at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) headquarters in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday before speaking to reporters.

The squad is filled with incredible talent, featuring three 2026 Ballon d’Or nominees in Vinicius, Marquinhos, and Gabriel Magalhaes, alongside Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

India set for marquee international matches

India will play four international matches in a row against marquee opponents like Panama, Brazil and New Zealand.

The Panama game serves as the opening leg of a four-match stretch for India against nations that featured in this summer’s World Cup. Brazil is set to visit Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on October 3 for their inaugural senior men’s international clash with India. 

Ranked fifth globally, Brazil represents the highest-ranked opponent India has ever played since the introduction of the FIFA ranking system in 1992. Before their trip to India, Brazil will take on Australia on September 25 before playing a second friendly in Brisbane on September 29.

To round out their challenging international calendar, India will also host New Zealand for two consecutive friendlies on November 12 and 15, offering valuable experience against top-tier opposition under coach Jamil’s guidance.

Full Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), Otavio (Cruzeiro).

Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico-PR), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Jair (Nottingham Forest), Marquinhos (PSG), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Mauro Junior (PSV Eindhoven), Vitor Reis (Manchester City), Wesley (Rome).

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), Gabriel Bontempo (Santos).

Forwards: Endrick (Real Madrid), Stephen (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Pedro (Flamengo), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Samuel Lino (Flamengo), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).

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