Isabela Puccinelli eyes U20 call-up after surprise Brazil selection

The 18-year-old forward is looking to earn a spot on Brazil's U20 national team ahead of the World Cup.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a soccer player in motion, with the player's form broken down into overlapping planes of vibrant green, yellow, and blue colors.Isabela Puccinelli's surprise call-up to the Brazil U20 national team represents a chance for the young forward to earn a spot on the squad for the upcoming World Cup.Tempe Today

Isabela Puccinelli, an 18-year-old forward playing for the Arizona State Sun Devils college team, received a surprise call-up to the Brazil U20 national team on the eve of a friendly against the United States. Puccinelli, who had previously been called up to the U17 and U20 teams, sees this as a chance to reaffirm her place in the squad and earn a spot on the team for the upcoming U20 World Cup.

Why it matters

Puccinelli's call-up comes after changes to Brazil's senior national team, opening up a spot for her on the U20 squad. Her experience playing in the more physical and intense style of the United States college game has helped prepare her for the international stage, and she is determined to make the most of this opportunity to represent her country.

The details

Puccinelli was called up to the Brazil U20 national team on the eve of their first friendly against the United States, which Brazil lost 2-0. The forward from Paraná had previously been monitored by the coaching staff, with her first call-up coming in 2024 for the U17 team's World Cup preparation. She then wore the Yellow Jersey again in friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay in 2025. Now at 18 years old, Puccinelli sees this new phase as a chance to solidify her place in the group.

  • Puccinelli was called up to the Brazil U20 national team on the eve of their first friendly against the United States on April 11, 2026.
  • Brazil lost the first friendly against the United States 2-0 on April 11, 2026.
  • The second match between Brazil and the United States will take place on April 15, 2026 in Kansas.

The players

Isabela Puccinelli

An 18-year-old forward playing for the Arizona State Sun Devils college team in the United States, who has received a surprise call-up to the Brazil U20 national team.

Arthur Elias

The head coach of the Brazil senior national team, who called up forward Evelin to replace Jheniffer, opening up a spot for Puccinelli on the U20 squad.

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What they’re saying

“It was a huge surprise. I woke up on the day of my college game already in match mode, and they called me saying I was coming to the national team. I was incredibly grateful.”

— Isabela Puccinelli, Brazil U20 national team player

“My expectation is always to win, score goals, and I want to go to the World Cup. I want to help the team, enjoy every moment, and carry these lessons with me for life.”

— Isabela Puccinelli, Brazil U20 national team player

What’s next

The second match between Brazil and the United States will take place on April 15, 2026 in Kansas and is part of the team's preparation for the U-20 World Cup.

The takeaway

Puccinelli's surprise call-up to the Brazil U20 national team represents a chance for the young forward to solidify her place in the squad and earn a spot on the team for the upcoming U20 World Cup. Her experience playing in the more physical and intense style of the United States college game has helped prepare her for the international stage, and she is determined to make the most of this opportunity to represent her country.