Vitinho of Botafogo replaces Vanderson, earns Brazil call-up | OneFootball

Right-back Vitinho, from Botafogo, was called up this Friday (29) by coach Carlo Ancelotti for the last two games of Brazil in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, against Chile and Bolivia. The athlete will take the place of Vanderson, from Monaco, who was dropped after a joint medical assessment between the French club and the Brazilian team.

The decision aims to ensure that the team takes the field with all players in ideal competition conditions.

This is not the first change in Ancelotti's list for the final stretch of the Qualifiers. Recently, the coach called up midfielder Jean Lucas, from Bahia, to replace Joelinton, from Newcastle, who suffered an injury during a game in the English Championship. In addition, Alex Sandro, from Flamengo, had to be cut from the call-up, but the coach chose not to call another left-back.

Vitinho comes to reinforce the right-back, bringing experience and consistency after good performances for Botafogo in the season. He joins prominent names such as Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Lucas Paquetá, and Raphinha.

Brazil faces Chile on September 4, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, a match that marks the first time under Ancelotti's command at the stadium. Then, on September 9, the team visits Bolivia, in El Alto, to close the qualifying phase.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.