Brazil Announces its 2026 World Cup Squad | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti unveiled his 26-man Brazil squad for the World Cup on Monday evening, and there were several talking points.

The biggest story surrounding the squad announcement was regarding Neymar. Ancelotti was giving the former Barcelona and PSG talisman time to prove he deserved to take part in his fourth World Cup.

Neymar hasn’t featured for the national team since October 2023, and it was increasingly likely that he would miss out this summer. Ancelotti, however, clearly believes the 34-year-old can offer something different in North America.

As such, João Pedro, who has scored 20 goals for Chelsea this term, misses out. Richarlison is another who won’t be at the World Cup. Elsewhere, Thiago Silva misses out, while Rodrygo and Eder Militão are absent due to injury.

Ancelotti has chosen a squad which is certainly top-heavy, while players such as Fabinho and Ibanez are surprise additions.

Ancelotti has worked wonders with plenty of teams throughout his career, but winning the World Cup with this Brazil side might just turn out to be his biggest achievement.

Brazil’s World Cup fixtures

Brazil vs Morocco – Saturday, June 13 at 6 pm ET/3pm PTBrazil vs Haiti – Friday, June 19 at 8:30 pm ET/5:30pm PTScotland vs Brazil – Wednesday, June 24 at 6 pm ET/3pm PT

Morocco are first up for Brazil, a side who could potentially cause them the most problems. These two nations have met once previously at the tournament, coming back in 1998, where Brazil won 3-0.

Haiti are next up for Ancelotti’s side, and depending on what happened during the opening match, Brazil could seal a place in the knockout stages with a win.

Finally, old World Cup foes Scotland are the opponents in Miami. Remarkably, these two countries have met at the 1974, 1982, 1990 and 1998 World Cups. The first of those matches ended 0-0, but Brazil have won the last three.

Brazil’s history at the World Cup

Brazil are the only nation to have qualified for every single edition of the World Cup and are the most decorated country, winning the tournament five times.

Their last victory, however, came in 2002, and if Brazil don’t win it this year, they will head into the 2030 edition on the back of a 28-year streak of not winning the trophy.

Going by Brazil’s recent record, that is a possibility. The Seleção have reached a single semi-final since that triumph in Asia 24 years ago. Even that ended in humiliation, suffering a 7-1 thrashing by eventual winners Germany.

The heat will suit them in North America, and remember, Brazil triumphed when it was last held stateside, but Ancelotti will need other things going his way throughout the summer.

Key players to watch out for

Of course, Neymar and Vinícius Jnr will be the ones with all the pressure on their shoulders to perform, but there are a couple of Premier League players who might just surprise everyone at this level.

Igor Thiago has scored 22 league goals this season and fully deserves his place in the squad. So does Rayan. The Bournemouth starlet has settled into life well in the English top flight and won his maiden Brazil cap during the friendly against Croatia in April.

Endrick is another player to keep an eye on. The Real Madrid man spent the second half of the season on loan at Lyon to secure more game time.

He netted eight goals for the Ligue 1 outfit and has already netted three times for Brazil across 15 appearances. It might just be a breakout tournament for the 19-year-old.

Full Brazil squad

Goalkeepers – Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe) and Weverton (Gremio).

Defenders – Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris St-Germain), Gabriel (Arsenal) and Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg).

Midfielders – Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad) and Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo).

Forwards – Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinícius Juníor (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos) and Rayan (Bournemouth).