Explained: Why Vinicius Junior set to be dropped from Brazil squad by Carlo Ancelotti for September World Cup qualifiers

According to GE Globo, Vinicius will not be part of the Brazil squad for the two upcoming World Cup qualifiers. He emerged as the difference maker during Brazil’s gritty 1-0 victory over Paraguay, but during the match, he picked up a yellow card, which suspends him for the next fixture against Chile at the Maracana. And given the punishing conditions of the following game, against Bolivia at a lung-busting 4,100 metres in El Alto, Ancelotti is planning to rest his star winger entirely.

Brazil’s coaching staff have already sent FIFA’s mandatory preliminary call-up list, and while Vinicius’ name is absent, there are familiar returns elsewhere. Rodrygo, who missed the June fixtures due to physical setbacks, is expected to be recalled. Eder Militao, meanwhile, is also tipped to make the cut. After months of gruelling recovery from a second ACL surgery, the defender has re-emerged as one of Ancelotti’s most trusted lieutenants. 

Ancelotti’s call may ruffle feathers among Brazil supporters even though the Selecao have already sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup. However, with a draining La Liga season and a Champions League campaign looming, Ancelotti believes preserving Vinicius’ freshness is crucial for both Brazil and Real Madrid in the long run. The final squad announcement is due on Monday, August 25.

Vinicius is expected to spearhead Madrid’s attack, along with Kylian Mbappe, when they open their La Liga campaign against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.