Carlo Ancelotti is set to reveal Brazil’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, and the timing matters. After sending FIFA a 55-player preliminary pool, the coach now has to settle on the group that will carry Brazil through a tournament split across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The stakes are obvious: Brazil has not won the World Cup since 2002, and anything less than a serious run will feel like a missed chance.
The core of the squad is already clear
Even before the official announcement, a strong spine has emerged. Alisson is widely expected to remain the first-choice goalkeeper, with Ederson as the main alternative. In defense, Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes look like the preferred center-back pairing, while Bremer and Leo Pereira provide backup options. The midfield shape appears just as settled, with Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, and Lucas Paqueta forming the most reliable trio in the squad.
Brazil’s attack should still carry the most star power. Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, and Gabriel Martinelli are all in strong position to make the final cut. Wesley is the likely answer at right back with Vanderson unavailable, and Alex Sandro remains the leading candidate on the left. Ancelotti seems to want experience, pace, and balance rather than a pure collection of names.
Injuries have changed the conversation
The biggest story around the squad is not who is expected in, but who is not available. Rodrygo, Estevao Willian, and Eder Militao are all set to miss the tournament because of injury. Rodrygo’s knee surgery has ruled him out for months, Estevao suffered a serious muscle problem in April, and Militao continues to deal with a longer-term knee issue. Those absences have forced Brazil to rethink both its attacking depth and its defensive cover.
That opening has only sharpened the debate over Neymar. He was included in the preliminary list even though he has not played for Brazil since 2023. Now 34, he remains the team’s all-time leading scorer, and reports suggest Ancelotti is leaning toward taking him because of both his form at Santos and the injuries elsewhere in the squad. Neymar says he feels physically ready and believes he has earned the chance.
That choice would not come without consequences. If Neymar is selected, Joao Pedro is among the players most likely to lose his place, despite a productive season in England.
Brazil’s route through Group C
Brazil open in Group C with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, a draw that looks manageable compared with many recent World Cups. The opener comes against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, followed by Haiti in Philadelphia, then Scotland in Miami Gardens. Morocco is the toughest opponent on paper, but even that match gives Brazil a fair path to control the group.
A first-place finish would likely send Brazil into a Round of 32 matchup against a third-place team from another group, which is exactly the kind of route a favorite wants. The schedule also gives Ancelotti time to settle his best shape before the knockout rounds begin.
- June 13: Brazil vs. Morocco at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
- June 19/20: Brazil vs. Haiti at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
- June 25/26: Scotland vs. Brazil at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
What the starting lineup may look like
Based on the March friendlies against France and Croatia, Brazil could line up in either a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3. A possible XI would be Alisson in goal; Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel, and Alex Sandro across the back line; Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes in midfield; and Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta, and Vinicius Junior behind a forward such as Matheus Cunha or Igor Thiago.
If Neymar is included, he would likely compete with Paqueta for the central creative role or operate as a false nine. Either way, his presence would add another layer of control and pressure in the final third.
Brazil arrive at the tournament with a squad built to end a long drought and restore their place at the top of world football. With Ancelotti in charge, several elite attackers available, and a group stage that offers room to build momentum, the Selecao enter the 2026 World Cup as one of the teams everyone will watch closely.