Brazil fans online have questioned the inclusion of Gabriel Martinelli in their starting XI to face France in an international friendly clash on March 26. The match marks the penultimate friendly clash for both sides ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI to face France includes Ederson at the goal. Wesley, Roger Ibanez, Leo Pereira, and Douglas Santos form the backline. Andrey Santos and Casemiro form the midfield. The attack features four players, including Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Gabriel Martinelli, and Vinicius Jr.

Fans took to X to react to the lineup, with many questioning the inclusion of Gabriel Martinelli. The Arsenal star has 11 goals and five assists in 42 outings across competitions at the club level this season. He has scored only once in the Premier League in 25 appearances so far. One X user wrote:

“Gabriel Martinelli has 1 premier league goal in 25 games. How has he been selected for Brazil?”

Many users shared similar views about Martinelli:

Fans continued to share their thoughts on the lineup:

Despite the reservations, Brazil boasts of a stellar attack with the likes of Vinicius Jr and Raphinha on their side. They dealt with a blow when Rodrygo picked up an ACL and had to be ruled out of the World Cup. However, they also have names like Joao Pedro and Endrick coming off the bench, with wonderkid Estevao also in the squad.

Brazil superstar Vinicius Jr claims the Selecao aren’t the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup

In the pre-match press conference before facing France, Brazil winger Vinicius Jr admitted that they are not the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. He said (via ESPN):

“I believe that [the national team] isn’t the favourite based on the results we’ve had. But the weight of the jersey, the weight of the players we have here, we’re going to do everything to put [the team] on top again. We don’t want to be favorites, we want to put Brazil on top.”

Carlo Ancelotti took over the helm for the Selecao last year after his departure from Real Madrid. The Italian tactician has seen massive success with Vinicius Jr with Los Blancos and will look to replicate the same at the 2026 World Cup.

The Selecao have won the World Cup a record five times, with their last title coming in 2002. All eyes will be on Ancelotti to lead the team to glory in the upcoming edition, although there are looming issues with the squad in both the midfield and the defence.