Without Marta and Kerolin, Brazil women's team calls up 26 players for two friendlies in Japan

The Brazil women's national team squad announced by coach Arthur Elias this Tuesday (10) for the last two friendlies of 2026 does not include Marta or Kerolin. A total of 26 players have been called up to face Japan away from home, on November 29 in Hiroshima and on December 5 in Okayama. The list was released at a press conference at the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.

The games are part of the build-up for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, which will be held in Brazil starting June 24, according to Agência Brasil, the state news agency. Because of the time difference, the matches will kick off in the early hours of Brasília time: the first at 1:55 a.m. at Edion Peace Wing Stadium, and the second at 3:00 a.m. at JFE Harenokuni Stadium.

The absence of Marta and Kerolin

Kerolin was left out due to a foot injury sustained on Sunday (8) during a Spanish league match. Other players were also omitted because of physical issues.

For Marta, the No. 10 of the Orlando Pride, no injury was announced. Arthur Elias explained that the coaching staff maintains contact with her club in the United States to manage her fitness. "Marta is fully in our plans for the preparation and for the World Cup," the coach said. According to him, the idea is for her to have a preseason and a sequence of high-level matches next year.

Regarding Kerolin's absence, the coach stated that "this is not the time to define the team based on one or another player" and that absences open up opportunities for other athletes. He also said age is not a criterion for squad selection and that he seeks a mix of youth and experience.

Newcomer and returnee in the squad

The new face is forward Gisele, from Grêmio (a club based in Porto Alegre), called up for the first time. Another highlight is the return of midfielder Ary Borges from Angel City, who recently became a mother. The list also features several players who came through the youth ranks and have earned their place at their clubs.

See the called-up players:

• Goalkeepers: Lorena (Kansas City), Natascha (Palmeiras) and Lelê (Corinthians).
• Defenders: Thais Ferreira (Corinthians), Isa Haas (América do México), Tarciane (Lyon), Mariza, Lauren (Atlético de Madrid), Tayla (São Paulo), Isabela (PSG), Raissa Bahia (Palmeiras) and Aline Gomes (Pachuca).
• Midfielders: Duda Sampaio (Corinthians), Angelina (Orlando Pride), Ary Borges (Angel City), Kaylane (Flamengo) and Yaya (PSG).
• Forwards: Marília (Cruzeiro), Priscila (América do México), Gio Garbelini (Atlético de Madrid), Geyse (América do México), Luany (Atlético de Madrid), Bia Zaneratto (Palmeiras), Adriana (Al-Qadsiah), Amanda Gutierres (Boston) and Gisele (Grêmio).

What to expect from the games against Japan

These will be the first matches between the two teams on Japanese soil. Japan comes in in good form, with seven wins in their last eight games. Arthur Elias described the opponent as a well-drilled, synchronized, and compact defensive side.

The coach said he wants to give as many players as possible minutes on the pitch, but without giving up on victory, to close out the season well. After the two friendlies, the team enters the World Cup year at home, when the coaching staff will define the final squad. According to Arthur Elias, each player's presence at the World Cup will depend on how she is performing at that time.