Brazil’s post-2026 World Cup rebuilding programme reaches a new frontier on Saturday when Carlo Ancelotti’s side meet India for the first time at senior international level, with Flamengo’s Pedro and Real Madrid forward Endrick competing to fill the gap left by the injured Raphinha.
Key takeaways
- Raphinha has returned to Barcelona after scans found a minor muscle oedema in the back of his right thigh.
- Pedro began Friday’s training in Brazil’s likely starting side, although Endrick was also tested in the role.
- Coritiba goalkeeper Pedro Morisco is the only Brazil starter confirmed for the India match.
- India arrive after a 1-1 friendly draw with Panama and stand 138th in the FIFA world ranking.
- Ryan Williams, India’s Australian-born number 10, has scored twice in his first three internationals.
Ancelotti widens Brazil’s group
The Canarinha come into the match after a mixed two-game visit from Australia: a 1-1 draw in the opening fixture followed by a 4-2 win. Vanderson, Bruno Guimarães, Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha scored in that second encounter, but the Barcelona attacker was withdrawn at half-time and later cleared to leave the squad for club treatment.
No replacement was called up, leaving Ancelotti to choose internally. Pedro was used with the first team at the start of Friday’s session, before Endrick was given time in the same position. The decision fits a wider effort to refresh the Brazilian squad after Norway eliminated them in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil have already made seven alterations across the two Australia fixtures, and further changes are possible against India. Athletico Paranaense defender Arthur Dias could make his first appearance, while Bruno Guimarães may be rested after starting both previous games. Manchester United midfielder Andrey Santos is among the candidates to replace him.
In goal, Morisco will start. Cruzeiro’s Otávio featured in the latest Australia match, while Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza made his Brazil debut in the first one.
Ancelotti urged the younger players not to treat the friendlies as a final audition for international selection. “It is a chance for them to show the quality they possess,” he said after training.
India bring a symbolic occasion to the pitch
For India, the meeting has sporting significance and a wider resonance. Brazil have long held a sizeable following across the country, alongside the large number of supporters drawn to Argentina, Brazil’s historic South American rivals.
Khalid Jamil’s squad approach the occasion following their draw against Panama. Williams will lead their attacking ambitions after making an immediate contribution since switching international allegiance in March. Born in Australia, he scored against Panama and now has two goals from three appearances for India.
Most of the Indian group play domestically. The exception is reserve goalkeeper Som Kumar, who is based in Slovenia’s second division. Against a Brazil side still searching for its next shape after the World Cup, India will have a rare opportunity to measure themselves against one of the game’s most followed national teams.
