Carlo Ancelotti, the newly appointed Brazil national team coach and former Real Madrid manager, has made the surprising call to omit Vinicius Junior from Brazil’s squad for the upcoming September World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.

The decision comes amid a relatively dead rubber phase in the qualifiers with Brazil already poised to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Vinicius, 25, has been a key player for Brazil, notably scoring a crucial goal against Paraguay in June to seal Brazil’s qualification. Over 11 World Cup qualifying matches, he has contributed two goals and two assists, underscoring his importance for the Seleção.

However, accumulated yellow card suspensions already ruled him out for the earlier match against Chile, and Ancelotti has chosen to rest him for the remaining fixture in Bolivia, presumably to prevent injury and manage fatigue on the veteran forward’s workload. 

Recent Form and Fitness Concerns

Vinicius has experienced a dip in form following a stellar 2023-24 season crowned by multiple titles with Real Madrid and personal accolades, such as the Champions League Player of the Year.

The 2024-25 season saw a decline in his numbers and influence, with just one goal and one assist across six matches in the FIFA Club World Cup, and overall a less impactful campaign compared to his previous exploits. 

Further complicating matters are ongoing speculations concerning Vinicius’s contract situation at Real Madrid. Despite being a pivotal figure at Santiago Bernabeu, he has yet to agree on a contract extension amidst growing interest from other leagues, particularly Saudi Arabia.

Fitness-wise, the manager’s decision to rest Vinicius aligns with cautious management of his health to ensure peak condition as Real Madrid embark on a new season under coach Xabi Alonso. 

Impact on Brazil's Campaign and Future Expectations

Brazil’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been unexpectedly tough, with the team currently positioned sixth in the CONMEBOL standings, having secured only two wins from their opening six games.

The absence of key players like Neymar—recovering from a long-term injury—and Vinicius’s upcoming rest period mean that Brazil will rely heavily on squad depth and emerging talents for these fixtures. 

Vinicius himself has publicly acknowledged moments of frustration with Brazil’s performances, taking personal responsibility for setbacks, notably Brazil’s Copa America exit.

Nevertheless, he remains committed to regaining form and helping Brazil climb back to the top of international football. His career with the national team is still developing, and many expect him to play a crucial role in Brazil’s quest for FIFA World Cup glory next year.