Brazil to be without Alisson for upcoming friendlies

Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza called up to replace injured Liverpool star

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:03pm

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Brazil's national team manager Carlo Ancelotti will be without star goalkeeper Alisson for the upcoming international friendlies, as the Liverpool player has been ruled out due to injury. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed Alisson's withdrawal, opening the door for Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza to receive a call-up to the squad.

Why it matters

Alisson's absence is a significant blow for Brazil, as he is the team's undisputed starting goalkeeper. The upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia will provide an opportunity for Ancelotti to evaluate other options, with Souza, Bento, and Ederson all in contention to fill in during Alisson's absence.

The details

Alisson's injury status is still unknown, but his withdrawal from the national team squad means he will miss Brazil's matches on March 26 against France in Boston and March 31 against Croatia in Orlando. Ancelotti has called up Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza as Alisson's replacement, with Bento of Al-Nassr and Ederson of Fenerbahçe also potential options to start in goal for Brazil.

  • Alisson withdrew from the Brazil squad on March 21, 2026.
  • Brazil will play France on March 26, 2026 in Boston.
  • Brazil will play Croatia on March 31, 2026 in Orlando.

The players

Carlo Ancelotti

The manager of the Brazilian national team, tasked with leading Brazil to World Cup glory.

Alisson

The starting goalkeeper for Brazil and Liverpool, who has been ruled out of the upcoming international friendlies due to injury.

Hugo Souza

The Corinthians goalkeeper who has been called up to the Brazil squad to replace the injured Alisson.

Bento

The Al-Nassr goalkeeper who is a potential option to start in goal for Brazil during Alisson's absence.

Ederson

The Fenerbahçe goalkeeper who is also a potential option to start in goal for Brazil during Alisson's absence.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a suitable replacement for Alisson, as he is a crucial player for our team. This is an opportunity for other goalkeepers to step up and prove their worth.”

— Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil National Team Manager

What’s next

Brazil will need to evaluate their options in goal during the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, with Hugo Souza, Bento, and Ederson all vying for the starting spot in Alisson's absence.

The takeaway

Alisson's injury is a significant setback for Brazil, as he is one of the team's most important players. However, this presents an opportunity for other goalkeepers to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on the World Cup roster.