Ancelotti Tests 4-3-3 and Seven Changes with Raphinha as False 9

Overview

• Training in Brisbane showed at least seven planned changes to the starting XI and a switch from Ancelotti’s prior 4-2-4 to a 4-3-3 shape with Raphinha pushed into a central ‘false 9’ role that drops from the striker line to link play.
• The likely lineup observed in practice was Otávio in goal; Vanderson, Jair, Gabriel Magalhães and Mauro Júnior across the back; Danilo, Bruno Guimarães and Gabriel Bontempo in midfield; and Rayan, Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior up front.
• Ancelotti publicly defended the selections, saying criticism does not change his plans and that the priority is building a new generation for the 2028 Copa América and the next World Cup cycle.
• The squad includes several uncapped or rarely used players, with Otávio and Gabriel Bontempo expected to make their senior debuts and Rayan kept in the starting attack after his late equalizer in the first friendly.
• Brazil faces a physical test from Australia in Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Tuesday and the friendly series will be used to evaluate combinations, goalkeeper options and leadership choices, with Raphinha reported as the frontrunner to wear the captain’s armband.