Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil face off with South Korea and Japan in October’s international break starting with a clash against the former on October 10.
All three nations have already secured their spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer with Ancelotti guiding Brazil to fifth place in the final CONMEBOL rankings.
Ancelotti’s decision to swap club management for a national-team job marked a career first for the Italian following his June exit from Real Madrid.
The coming months will be focused on fine-tuning his squad as the pressure steps up to lead Brazil to a first world title since 2002.
South Korea topped Group B in AFC qualifying with an unbeaten 10-game campaign for Hong Myung-bo’s team.
MORE: Who has qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026?
South Korea vs. Brazil lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, rosters
Hong has named a strong squad for this window with South Korea also taking on Paraguay after facing Brazil.
His three most eye-catching names are all included with Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae named alongside PSG’s Lee Kang-in, despite the centre-back having struggled with injury concerns of late.
Captain Son Heung-min will make the long trip from Los Angeles.
South Korea predicted lineup (5-4-1, right to left): Kim Seung-gyu (GK) — Kim Moon-hwan, Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae, Lee Tae-seok, Lee Myung-jae — Lee Kang-in, Hwang In-beom, Castrop, Son Heung-min — Hwang Hee-chan
South Korea full roster
Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu, Song Bum-keun, Jo Hyeon-woo
Defenders: Kim Moon-hwan, Lee Myung-jae, Kim Min-jae, Kim Joo-sung, Kim Ji-soo, Park Jin-seop, Seol Young-woo, Lee Tae-seok, Lee Han-beom, Jeong Sang-bin, Jo Yu-min
Midfielders: Kim Jin-gyu, Baek Seung-ho, Um Ji-sung, Jens Castrop, Won Du-jae, Lee Kang-in, Lee Dong-gyeong, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang In-beom
Forwards: Son Heung-min, Oh Hyun-kyu, Hwang Hee-chan
MORE: Host countries, cities for FIFA 2026 World Cup
The big news from Ancelotti is the recall of Real Madrid trio Vinicus Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao after being omitted for September’s games. All three were granted a break after competing in the Club World Cup.
Ancelotti’s wider squad has been hit by several injury problems, though.
MORE: Breaking down the Brazil roster for October friendlies
Goalkeeper pair Alisson and Ederson are out alongside captain Marquinhos and Barcelona winger Raphinha.
Neymar Jr is once again not involved due to fitness concerns as the clock ticks down on his World Cup dream. The Premier League is well represented with 12 players in Ancelotti’s panel including Gabriel Magalhaes, Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes.
Brazil predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Bento (GK) — Vanderson, Militao, Gabriel, Santos — Guimaraes, Casemiro, Paqueta — Rodrygo, Richarlison, Vini Jr.
Brazil full roster
Goalkeepers: Bento, John Victor, Hugo Souza
Defenders: Gabriel Magalhaes, Eder Militao, Vanderson, Lucas Beraldo, Fabricio Bruno, Caio Henrique, Douglas Santos, Carlos Augusto, Paulo Henrique
Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta, Andre, Joao Gomes, Joelinton
Forwards: Richarlison, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Estevao, Igor Thiago
South Korea vs. Brazil match details
- Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
- Kickoff time: 8 p.m. local / 7 a.m. ET / 4 a.m. PT / 10 p.m. AEST
- Location: Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul (South Korea)
- Competition: International Friendly
- Referee: TBA
