Brazil's new faces have given Ancelotti a selection headache
The impact of the likes of Danilo, Igor Thiago and the returning Endrick versus Croatia ensures the Italian has much to ponder ahead of the World Cup 2026.
Brazil defeated Croatia 3-1 in their final pre-World Cup friendly
Goals from Danilo, Igor Thiago and Gabriel Martinelli did the damage
Carlo Ancelotti was "pleased" to see newcomers take their chance
There were smiles all around at the final whistle. Luka Modric shared a friendly conversation with Carlo Ancelotti on the pitch in Orlando and was greeted by former Real Madrid team-mates Vinicius Junior, Casemiro and Endrick. But appearances can be deceiving. During Brazil’s 3-1 win over Croatia, there were moments that felt very much like the FIFA World Cup 2026™ was upon us – and the competition for places in the final squad only grew fiercer as a result.
For Ancelotti, the match served as his final test ahead of naming a 26-man squad on 18 May. Having taken charge less than a year ago, the Italian was pleased with what he saw – even if it has given him more selection headaches.
“What pleases me most is that the new players took their opportunity,” he said. “Obviously, that creates more tough decisions for the final list, because Igor Thiago played well, Leo Pereira played well, Danilo played well, Endrick played very well, Kaiki [played well]. It’s a very positive sign for the team.”
The first major talking point came in midfield, where Danilo – impressive off the bench in the defeat to France – was handed a starting role alongside the experienced Casemiro. The Botafogo midfielder seized his chance and made an impact.
In first-half stoppage time, he sparked a rapid Brazilian counter-attack, driving forward and, in typical fashion, arriving late in the box to finish first-time following some brilliant individual play from Vinicius. He had been denied by Dominik Livakovic moments earlier, but this time his finish into the top corner left the goalkeeper with no chance.
“I’m happy to have scored, but the most important thing is the win," as smiling Danilo said post-match. "We’ve completed this World Cup cycle and, thanks to God, everything worked out today."
With Brazil in front, Ancelotti rotated his squad in the second half, making eight substitutions – including senior debuts for Kaiki and Rayan. Yet it was another combination that stole the show in the closing stages.
Six minutes from time, Lovro Majer capitalised on some hesitation from goalkeeper Bento to level the score. Brazil responded immediately. From the restart, Endrick burst through the Croatian defence and won a penalty. The 19-year-old looked set to take it himself, but instead handed the ball to Igor Thiago. Under a lot of pressure in just his second appearance for the Seleção, the Brentford striker calmly sent Livakovic the wrong way and slotted home.
“It’s the greatest achievement of my life to be here today," he said at full-time. "I want to thank God and the coach for giving me this opportunity to represent my country. Everyone knows how difficult it is, with so many high-quality players in my position.
“That (handing him the penalty) shows what this group is about – everyone in that dressing room supporting each other. I’m very happy he trusted me to get the job done. The whole team deserves credit for our determination. At the last World Cup, we went out in a similar situation, conceding a late goal, but this time we showed resilience.”
Moments after providing the platform for Igor Thiago, Endrick again displayed his chemistry with the Brentford forward. In another swift counter-attack, he found the teenager – currently on loan at Lyon – who carried it forward and played in Gabriel Martinelli. The winger provided a clean left-footed finish to seal the 3-1 win.
Endrick was seen in tears after the final whistle – a reflection of just how much the opportunity meant to him. Despite previous call-ups and even scoring for Brazil already, injuries and limited minutes at club level had temporarily halted his momentum with the Seleção.
“When I look back, I know what I’ve been through. The injury wasn’t easy,” he said. “No one is guaranteed a place at the World Cup. Unfortunately, in football, you get injuries, and you have to perform for your club. I’m grateful to God for this opportunity, but I take things day by day and will keep working.”
Among the newcomers in this international window, Leo Pereira did not have any particularly standout individual moments – but one statistic didn't go unnoticed. In a squad of 25 players, he was the only one to play all 180 minutes across the two matches.
In one of the most competitive positions in the Brazil squad, alongside players of the calibre of Marquinhos and Gabriel, the Flamengo defender will hope he has done enough to earn a place in the final squad.
“I’m happy to have helped, although disappointed to concede the goal, because we demand a lot from ourselves defensively," the 30-year-old stated. "But I’m very pleased with the win, with these two matches and with this cycle as a whole. I hope I’ve made a good impression on the coach.”