Vanderson set for Brazil call-up ahead of Asia friendlies

Monaco fullback Vanderson is likely to be called up by Brazil for their upcoming friendly matches in Asia. The 25-year-old is expected to be named in the squad for games against Australia and India during the September-October international window.

Brazil will begin a new cycle with a tour across Asia. The five-time world champions will play two friendlies against Australia, the 2015 AFC Asian Cup winners, before traveling to India for a historic first match against the Blue Tigers at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. The squad announcement is scheduled for September 9th at around 11:30 PM IST.

Carlo Ancelotti's team is in a period of generational transition following their Round of 16 exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they lost 2-1 to Norway.

Brazil's long-standing right-back issue

Finding a reliable right-back has been a persistent problem for Brazil for over a decade. Since the 2014 World Cup, the position has lacked consistency. Dani Alves was the primary creative outlet on the right until 2018, despite injury concerns. Under former coach Tite, Danilo became the regular starter but faced criticism for a perceived lack of attacking flair.

This issue continued into the 2026 World Cup, where Danilo started most matches after alternatives like Emerson Royal, Roger Ibanez, and Yan Couto failed to impress.

Vanderson viewed as a potential solution

The report suggests Vanderson is widely seen as a logical answer to Brazil's right-back dilemma. The Mato Grosso-born defender, who joined Monaco from Gremio in 2022, has made over 100 appearances for the French club. He is described as structurally disciplined, with raw speed and overlapping instincts that make him an attacking threat.

Playing right-back for Brazil is considered one of the highest-pressure jobs in football, with many talented players struggling under the weight of expectation. However, Vanderson has established himself as a regular starter at Monaco, where he regularly faces elite wingers in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League.

Squad announcement and tour schedule

The Brazil national team will confirm their final traveling party on September 9th. The tour represents the team's first matches since their World Cup exit and the start of Carlo Ancelotti's new project with a younger generation of players. The friendlies in Australia and the historic visit to India are key preparatory steps in this new cycle.