Ancelotti finalises World Cup squad, Neymar the big question mark | OneFootball

Next May 18, the 26 names that will seek a sixth World Cup title at the 2026 World Cup will be announced. The abundance of stars and last-minute injury absences have turned the making of the squad list into a true “luxury dilemma” for Ancelotti.

There is one undisputed owner of the goal in Alisson Becker (Liverpool), but the battle for the backup goalkeeper gloves is red hot. Ederson, Bento, and the rising Hugo Souza (Corinthians) are fighting for the two remaining spots. In defense, the recent news that Éder Militão will miss the World Cup due to surgery.. Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães are locks, while Danilo (Flamengo) emerges as the ideal wildcard because of his versatility.

Midfield and attack present the biggest “problems” for the coach because of the overabundance of talent. Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães lead the midfield area, where names like Lucas Paquetá and Andrey Santos also stand out. Up front, the injury absences of Rodrygo (Real Madrid) and Estêvão open up a range of possibilities to partner the untouchables Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha. Names like Endrick, Vitor Roque, and Richarlison are battling neck and neck to be the main striker.

The biggest star, now at Santos, is not going through his best physical moment and has been left out by Ancelotti in recent call-ups due to a lack of full fitness. With the World Cup just around the corner, the big question is whether the coach will bet on the historic stature of the “No. 10” or prioritize the current competitive form of the new talents shining in Europe and the Brasileirão.

The names Brazil has to put together its 2026 World Cup squad

Goalkeepers:

Defenders:

Defensive Midfielders:

Forwards:

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.