The football world is on edge following Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti’s surprising decision to exclude Vinicius Junior from the squad for the final two matches of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. With Brazil already qualified for the tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, these matches represent a crucial opportunity to refine strategies and consolidate the team. However, the Real Madrid star’s absence has generated a whirlwind of speculation and debate among fans and analysts, who did not expect one of the most prominent figures in world football to be left out at this crucial stage.

The final phase of the South American qualifiers arrives with two decisive matches on the horizon. Brazil will host Chile on September 5 at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, before facing Bolivia on September 10 at Villa Ingenio Stadium, located at over 4,100 meters above sea level in El Alto. Although the Seleção has already secured its place at the World Cup alongside Argentina and Ecuador, these matches are essential to maintaining competitiveness and testing new tactics under Ancelotti, who took over the team in 2025 with the mission of restoring its trademark brilliance.

According to information published by Globo Esporte, Vinicius’ exclusion is due to a combination of factors. First, the 25-year-old forward is suspended for the match against Chile due to an accumulation of yellow cards received in a previous match. Furthermore, Ancelotti has opted to rest him for the match against Bolivia, avoiding subjecting him to the harsh altitude conditions and the physical strain that such a demanding trip entails just to play a single match. “Vinicius is a key player, but we need to protect him and manage his physical load for what’s coming up,” the Italian coach explained in a recent press conference. This decision reflects Ancelotti’s intention to prioritize his star’s long-term health and performance, especially considering Real Madrid’s busy schedule in the 2025-26 season.

Vinicius’s absence isn’t the only change in the squad. Brazil is celebrating the return of Rodrygo and Eder Militao, both Vinicius’s Real Madrid teammates, who missed the June training camp due to injuries. Now fully recovered, both players are ready to bolster the Seleção’s attack and defense. Rodrygo, with his versatility and ability to disrupt the game, and Militao, with his solidity at the back, offer Ancelotti valuable options to experiment with in his tactical system. In addition, players like Casemiro, Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha will have the opportunity to take on a leading role, proving that Brazil has enough depth to shine even without one of its star players.

Although the decision to leave Vinicius out has generated controversy, many experts consider it a strategic move. Brazil, which sits third in the qualifying rounds with 25 points after 16 matches, doesn’t face the pressure to qualify, but does face the need to fine-tune its collective game. Ancelotti, known for his pragmatism and ability to manage top talent, appears to be focusing on balancing the demands of the national team with the needs of his players at their clubs. By resting Vinicius, the coach ensures that the forward arrives in optimal condition for the 2026 World Cup, where Brazil hopes to regain the title it hasn’t won since 2002.

The reaction from fans has been swift. On platforms like X, opinions are divided: some applaud Ancelotti’s caution, while others consider Vinicius’s presence essential to send a message of strength to the rest of the teams. However, the manager’s history with the striker suggests that this decision is based on a relationship of trust. At Real Madrid, Ancelotti transformed Vinicius into an elite player, and his bet now is that the break will allow the Brazilian to arrive at the World Cup in his best form.

The matches against Chile and Bolivia will be a real test for Brazil. Although there’s no pressure for points, these matches are an opportunity to consolidate the team’s identity and build confidence ahead of the major tournament. With Vinicius absent, all eyes will be on how Ancelotti manages his other stars and whether he can demonstrate that the Seleção is ready to compete at the highest level. The decision to dispense with Vinicius may be risky, but it could also be the masterstroke that paves the way for an unstoppable Brazil at the 2026 World Cup