Carlo Ancelotti is still in the early stages of building his Brazil, but his direction is becoming clear. Having secured qualification to the World Cup, the big challenge now is to mould a team that can finally lift the trophy after 24 years. Brazil will have another opportunity to refreeze that identity against Chile – and they will do so again without their most popular number 10.
A New Identity Under Ancelotti
When Ancelotti took charge in June, he promised that his Brazil would play like Real Madrid “last year.” By that, he meant a disciplined, balanced side that relies on shape, midfield control, and quick transitions. In his first two games, a 0-0 draw with Ecuador and a 1-0 win over Paraguay, we already saw hints of that.
⚽🇧🇷 Carlo Ancelotti le mete miedo a la Roja con la formación de Brasil y le envía un duro recado a Neymar https://t.co/dVRPmGiauq pic.twitter.com/uOPZDkNXIt
— El Deportivo LT (@ElDeportivoLT) September 4, 2025
The chaotic 4-2-4 shape Brazil used in recent years is gone. Instead, Ancelotti has leaned on a structured midfield. Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães remain central, while additions like Éderson and Andreas Pereira show his preference for a three-man engine room over winger overloads. It may not yet look like Madrid at their best, but the foundations are visible.
Neymar Left Out Again
The biggest talking point is Neymar’s absence. Ancelotti has now left him out for three straight windows. Officially, the coach says it is a tactical decision, not about fitness. He insists Brazil must pick the 26 players most ready to serve the team.
Neymar sees it differently. After playing 90 minutes for Santos last weekend, he made it clear he feels fit. “This is technical, not physical,” he said, adding that he respects the coach’s choice but does not agree. The forward has not featured for Brazil since his ACL tear against Uruguay in October 2023, and with only six goals in 19 games for Santos since then, doubts about his long-term role are growing.
Young Talent Given the Stage
While Neymar watches from home, Ancelotti is giving opportunities to younger players. Endrick, just 19, and Savinho, 21, are expected to stretch Chile’s aging full-backs. Both have the pace and energy to thrive in the system. Richarlison, back in form with Tottenham, leads the line, while Chelsea’s Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian bring new depth in attack.
This balance of veterans and emerging stars is exactly what Ancelotti wants. With Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo rested, it is a chance for fringe players to prove they belong in the World Cup squad.
Chile Test Comes at the Right Time
Chile sit bottom of CONMEBOL qualifying, which makes this a perfect match to experiment. Brazil need goals after scoring just once in Ancelotti’s first two games. The midfield trio will be tested on their ability to control tempo and release quick counters. Full-backs Danilo and Renan Lodi also carry responsibility to provide width, much like Madrid’s system.
The Road to 2026
The last time Brazil won the world cup was in 2002. Ancelotti has made it very clear that it is high time to bring an end to that drought. There are fewer than 12 months to go, so each choice now is about getting the right 26 players into the tournament.
The decision to leave Neymar out is a very bold one, however, it is an indication that reputations will not be the only factor that will determine the future of Brazil.
Ancelotti is building a team that is in his own style, pragmatic, possession-savvy, and tactically disciplined. With Chile we might have a glimpse of how far this project has gone, and how much remains to be done.
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Vibhor Gautam