‘Scandal’? Ancelotti’s Brazil squad choices raise eyebrows

Carlo Ancelotti will once again be in charge of the Brazilian national team on Tuesday (9), as the Canarinho travel to El Alto for the final round of the South American Qualifiers. The Italian coach’s choices over squad selection and player usage have attracted significant attention, particularly in Spain.

Spanish newspaper Sport has described it as a “scandal” that Ancelotti is considering starting Raphinha against Bolivia. Journalist Joaquim Piera highlighted the ‘terrible altitude’ and suggested that, in his view, playing the Barcelona forward under such conditions is an unnecessary risk.

“The scandal is taking shape. Carlo Ancelotti doubled down and had Raphinha training among the starters for Tuesday’s match in the daunting altitude of El Alto (metropolitan area of La Paz), in the game that closes out the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against Bolivia, where Brazil are playing for… nothing. Absolutely nothing. They have been qualified since June. The Andeans, on the other hand, are chasing a win that could take them to the playoffs, provided Venezuela slip up at home against Colombia,” wrote the paper.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Ancelotti’s choices spark debate

Piera also suggested that Ancelotti might be favouring players from his former club, Real Madrid. The claim stems from the fact that he did not call up Vinicius. [suspended for the first game of the FIFA window], Rodrygo, or Eder Militao, while Raphinha has continued to feature regularly.

“Carletto’s double standard between his ‘own’ Real Madrid and Barça in this FIFA window is glaring,” the article noted. “The Brazilian trio from Los Blancos — Vinicius (who, after serving his suspension, could play this Tuesday in Bolivia), Rodrygo, and Militao — were left to rest in the Spanish capital.

“Meanwhile, Raphinha, who holds the same status as Vini in the national team, not only had to cross the Atlantic for two matches with nothing at stake, but is also set to start both games,” it added.

The official line-up for the match against Bolivia has not been released, but in the last training session before travelling to altitude, Raphinha was included among the starters. Ancelotti has also indicated he might use the fixture to give minutes to players who did not feature against Chile in the 3–0 win at the Maracana last Thursday (4).

“The presence of Barça’s player in Bolivia makes no sense, since Brazil will field a line-up full of reserves. On Sunday, Carletto ran many experiments, suggesting he’ll give time to those who didn’t feature in the 3–0 win over Chile at Maracana,” Piera added.

Brazil’s final official match before the World Cup

The clash against Bolivia will be Brazil’s last official fixture ahead of the 2026 World Cup. After this, Ancelotti’s squad are expected to play friendlies, with details and opponents yet to be confirmed.

Already qualified for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in June and July 2026, Brazil sit second in the standings, behind runaway leaders Argentina.

Bolivia, on the other hand, will play the most important match of their qualifying campaign. La Verde must beat Brazil and hope for a slip-up from Venezuela, who host Colombia, to secure a place in the qualifying playoffs.

This article was originally published on Trivela.

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