Alisson Becker has been dropped from the Brazil squad ahead of the upcoming international break
Alisson Becker of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield
Alisson Becker of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Carlo Ancelotti has not closed the door on Alisson Becker earning an international recall despite dropping the Liverpool goalkeeper from the Brazil squad ahead of the forthcoming break.
Alisson, who boasts 83 international caps to his name, was an ever-present for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup as they suffered a shock round-of-16 exit to Norway.
The 33-year-old has been first-choice for the Selecao under Ancelotti when fit following the Italian’s appointment in May 2025, and has been number one for his country for the majority of his international career.
But he was one of a number of high-profile absentees from the latest Brazil squad ahead of friendly clashes with Australia and India at the end of September and start of October.
Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo Santos, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Endrick and Rayan were the only survivors from Ancelotti’s 26-man squad that competed at the World Cup.
The former Everton boss named nine uncapped players in his latest camp and 10 players who play their club football in Brazil, while he made wholesale changes in the goalkeeping department as Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco and Otavio - who have just one solitary cap between them - were called up at the expense of Alisson, Ederson and Weverton.
Prioritising youth, Ancelotti ultimately looked to select several players who will be eligible for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, hoping he can use them as the spine of his squad in the 2030 World Cup.
But he admitted that Alisson will likely return as his number one if he remains Brazil’s best goalkeeper as he explained the reasoning behind his latest squad.
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“We are motivated by the fact that we have time to prepare for a new cycle and get ready for the upcoming competitions,” he said. "That doesn't mean the others are excluded.
"We know Alisson very well, and when the competitions - like the Copa America - come, if he remains being the best goalkeeper in Brazil, Alisson will play. Right now, however, we have to prioritise the younger ones.
"I chose these players - Marquinhos, Gabriel [Magalhaes], Bruno [Guimaraes], Raphinha, and Vini Jr. - to help with this change in direction. They are crucial for the future.
"We are confident in their commitment to quality, seriousness and professionalism, and they will help the younger players improve. That doesn't mean other players won't be involved.
“We prioritised younger players for these friendlies to gather more precise information on everyone. It is possible that, by the time we reach the competitions, players not on this list today could be on the final squad.
"One thing is certain: a player who is 34 or 35 years old isn't the future; they are the present. If a player of that age is ready to play in a major tournament, they will be in the national squad."
While Alisson will be disappointed by his international absence, it is at least a boost for Liverpool.
The Brazilian has struggled with muscle injuries in recent years, but will now benefit from a three-week rest ahead of the Reds’ clash with Man City on Sunday 11 October.