Igor Thiago earns first Brazil call-up as Chelsea forward snubbed Brentford striker Igor Thiago has been named in Brazil’s squad for the March international break, marking his debut call-up with the national team. The 24-year-old, who has never played for Brazil’s youth teams, will join the squad for their final training camp before the 2026 World Cup. Thiago’s inclusion comes after a standout campaign with Brentford, where he has scored 19 goals in 30 league matches this season. His impressive form has also led to a contract extension with the Championship club. Thiago will aim to make his senior debut in friendly matches against France and Croatia, both set to take place in the United States. The Selecao’s squad includes several other debutants, such as Bournemouth’s Rayan, Flamengo’s Leo Pereira, and Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara. The team features an experimental lineup, with Ancelotti opting for a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Notable absences include Chelsea’s Estevao, who was left out despite recently recovering from a hamstring injury, and Neymar, who has struggled with form and fitness since undergoing knee surgery in December. Both players were omitted from the squad, though their exclusion has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Other Premier League representatives in the squad include Liverpool’s Alisson, Manchester United’s Casemiro, and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli. Martinelli will compete with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr for playing time in the squad. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Andrey Santos and Joao Pedro have been included, adding depth to the forward options. Thiago’s rise to the national team highlights his rapid development as a striker, despite never having represented Brazil at the youth level.#ancelotti #brentford #brazil #igor_thiago #2026_world_cup
Brentford’s Igor Thiago Called Up for Brazil – Where Does He Fit in Their Side Brentford striker Igor Thiago has been selected for the Brazil national team for the first time, following a standout season in the Premier League. The 24-year-old has netted 21 goals across all competitions this term, with 18 coming in the league—only Erling Haaland has scored more in the top flight. His consistent performances have earned him a spot in Brazil’s squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup. Thiago’s inclusion marks a significant milestone in his career, especially considering he missed most of last season after a severe knee injury following his £30m transfer from Club Brugge. His recent form has been so impressive that Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has chosen to name him in the squad, highlighting his potential to contribute to the national team’s success. If Thiago continues his current scoring rate, it will be challenging for Ancelotti to ignore his impact in the World Cup qualifiers. Brentford manager Keith Andrews has previously noted that Brazil had been closely monitoring Thiago’s progress, with the national team in regular contact about his performances. This call-up comes just over four weeks after Thiago signed a contract extension with Brentford, securing his future at the club until 2031. The striker has already claimed the Premier League’s Player of the Month award twice this season, further underscoring his importance to both his club and country. Thiago’s role in Brazil’s attack remains a topic of interest. While he competes with forwards like Richarlison, Matheus Cunha, and João Pedro for a starting position, his playing style offers a unique dimension.#premier_league #brentford #carlo_ancelotti #brazil #igor_thiago
Brazil Names Thiago and Rayan in World Cup Squad Call-Ups Brazil’s national team has announced the inclusion of Brentford striker Igor Thiago and Bournemouth winger Rayan in their squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. The call-ups mark the first international appearances for both players, who have impressed in the Premier League this season. Former Norwich attacker Gabriel Sara has also been selected for the first time, though the squad is missing key forward Neymar, who is not fit for the matches. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar’s absence is due to his lack of full recovery, stating, “I haven’t called him up because he’s not 100 percent. But for the final World Cup squad, that’s another story.” The friendlies against France on 26 March and Croatia on 31 March will serve as the last matches before Ancelotti finalizes his World Cup roster. Thiago, 24, has emerged as a standout performer for Brentford, scoring 19 goals in the Premier League this season—second only to Erling Haaland’s 22. His contributions helped Brentford secure seventh place in the league table. The Brazilian joined the club in July 2024 for a record £30m fee from Club Brugge but faced injury challenges in his debut season, limiting him to eight appearances. Rayan, 19, has made an immediate impact since joining Bournemouth in January for £24.7m from Vasco de Gama. The young winger has already netted two Premier League goals, showcasing his potential as a future star. Meanwhile, Sara, 26, has had a successful transition to Turkish football, joining Galatasaray in July 2024 and winning the Turkish Super League in his first season with the club.#brentford #carlo_ancelotti #neymar #rayan #igor_thiago
