Man Utd duo named in Brazil squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, Antony decision made

Carlo Ancelotti is aiming to continue a strong World Cup qualification campaign after naming his Brazil squad for the next round of matches in September.

Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, 65, was appointed as the head coach of Brazil in May.

The appointment was great news for Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, who had appeared to be losing his place in the national team. Ancelotti changed that and recalled Casemiro, along with Antony, to his first squad as Brazil boss earlier this year.

Before Ancelotti’s arrival, Antony and Casemiro missed out on a place in Brazil’s 2024 Copa America squad and had not represented their country since 2023.

Ancelotti recalled Casemiro after the midfield veteran, who starred under the Italian at Real Madrid, forced his way back into the United first team under Ruben Amorim during the second half of the season. He played a key role in United’s run to the Europa League final, after scoring three goals and two assists in the knockout stages of the competition.

Meanwhile, Antony was rejuvenating his career on loan at Real Betis, earning a recall by scoring goals and assists in La Liga before returning to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

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Matheus Cunha and Casemiro make Brazil squad

United currently have three Brazilian internationals in Amorim’s squad.

Matheus Cunha completed a transfer to United from Wolves this summer to become the latest Brazilian to wear the red shirt.

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The 26-year-old has shown encouraging signs in his first two competitive appearances for United, although he is still waiting for his first win since joining the club.

Cunha has done enough to warrant a place in Brazil’s squad for Brazil’s final round of South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against Chile and Bolivia. He is joined by Casemiro who is likely to be a mainstay under Ancelotti in the national team.

The biggest headlines from Ancelotti’s latest squad focus on Neymar missing out due to injury, while Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo were overlooked because the Italian wants to get to know his other players better.

Brazil have already booked a place at the World Cup next year, which allows Ancelotti to experiment with his squad over the next two matches.

Blow for Man Utd outcast Antony

The latest Brazil squad will come as a blow for United outcast Antony.

The 25-year-old has been left out of the United squad all summer, and it is clear he is not part of Amorim’s plans for the future.

As a result, Ancelotti has had no other choice but to overlook the winger, as he’s missed pre-season and is not playing regular football for his club. That is why it was important for Antony to secure a move away from United earlier this summer.

Real Betis want to re-sign Antony, which has been the case since his previous loan deal at the Spanish club expired at the end of last season. It remains to be seen if the La Liga outfit will be able to reach an agreement with United before Monday’s deadline.

Antony’s chances of representing Brazil in the near future are slim if the tricky winger fails to secure a move to a new club.

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