Mauro Júnior's first Brazil call raises hopes for Australia and India
Convocado pela primeira vez, 27‑year‑old left‑back Mauro Júnior will join the Brazil national team for the first time, featuring in the post‑World Cup 2026 friendlies against Australia on 25 September and India on 3 October, as the Seleção prepares for new challenges.
From Brazilian roots to Dutch success
Born in Palmital, São Paulo, Mauro Júnior spent his early years at Desportivo Brasil before moving to the Netherlands at 18, joining PSV’s B‑team in the 2017/18 season. He has become the Brazilian with the most appearances for PSV, tallying 206 games, 10 goals and between 31 and 32 assists, and has collected nine titles, including four Eredivisie crowns, two KNVB Cups and three Super Cups.
Originally a midfielder, the left‑footed player was converted to a left‑back where he has flourished, earning international attention. He described his call‑up as “one of the happiest days of my life”, adding that wearing the Seleção shirt feels like “a childhood dream that has become reality”.
“Everything I have lived, every training, every match, every difficulty… all formed the path to this moment,” he said, emphasizing that the opportunity “has no price”.
Brazil’s upcoming friendlies and squad
The Seleção Brasileira will face Australia twice – on 25 September at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville and on 29 September at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane – before meeting India on 3 October at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, marking the first ever encounter with the Asian side. The announcement listed 26 CONVOCADOS! and highlighted the fixtures as “Jogo: Austrália x Brasil” and “Amistoso Internacional”. AUS is used as the shorthand for Australia in the schedule. ISSO É BRASIL!
Coach Carlo Ancelotti said he monitors all European left‑backs and wants to see Mauro Júnior up close, noting the player “seems a very interesting profile”. He also mentioned Kayky of Como as another option, underscoring the depth of the left‑back pool.
These matches represent Brazil’s first challenges after the Copa do Mundo de 2026, offering a platform for newcomers like Júnior to prove themselves. The inclusion of the historic clash with Índia adds a fresh narrative to the Seleção’s post‑World Cup programme.
The contrast between Júnior’s lifelong dream and Brazil’s quest for new milestones illustrates how personal ambition can align with national renewal. As the player prepares for the September and October fixtures, his performance could shape future selections for the BRASIL side.