Léo Ortiz opens up on dream of playing at the World Cup for Brazil

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Coluna do Fla

·31 marzo 2026

Léo Ortiz opens up on dream of playing at the World Cup for Brazil

Léo Ortiz was on the Brazilian National Team’s preliminary list for this FIFA international window

The Brazilian National Team returns to action this Tuesday (31) to face Croatia in a friendly match. Left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, Léo Ortiz continues to follow the ‘Seleção’ from off the pitch and remains hopeful of being part of the 2026 World Cup.

When it comes to the National Team, of course I follow the day-to-day, all the reports from those who are there, and the matches as well. You always keep that hope alive (of being called up) because you’ve been part of this cycle. I wasn’t there consistently, but I was involved and had the chance to show my work. You have to be ready. It depends a lot on what you do at your club, day in and day out. We know that, unfortunately, a lot can happen during this period, players get cut, and there’s no point getting ready only when the call-up comes — you have to be ready every single day. If the opportunity comes, you have to be prepared. I’ll definitely be with my family watching (on TV on the 18th), that’s something all Brazilians end up doing. But we’ll put the phone aside and send positive energy. If I’m there, it’ll be an immense joy; if not, we’ll still be supporting Brazil and hoping for a sixth title,” concluded the Flamengo center back, in an interview with ‘GE’.

Was Léo Ortiz on the Brazilian National Team’s preliminary list?

It is worth noting that Léo Ortiz was called up by Carlo Ancelotti at the beginning of the Italian coach’s cycle with the Brazilian National Team, in June 2025. In addition, the Flamengo defender was on the ‘Seleção’s’ preliminary list for this FIFA international window, but was not included in the final squad by the coach.

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What group is Brazil in for the 2026 World Cup?

Currently fifth in the FIFA national team rankings, Brazil is the top seed in Group C. Thus, the ‘Seleção’ will face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in the group stage of the World Cup. The ‘Canarinho’ will make its debut against Morocco on June 13.

It is worth noting that the official Brazil squad announcement for the World Cup will take place on May 18. Therefore, head coach Carlo Ancelotti will begin preparing the squad on the 25th of the same month, while the trip to the United States will be on June 1.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

With Léo Ortiz available, Flamengo continues preparing to face Red Bull Bragantino this Thursday (02), after the FIFA international window. On that occasion, the match kicks off at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Estádio Cicero de Souza Marques, for the ninth round of the Brasileirão.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring all the details of the match between Flamengo and Bragantino through YouTube, the website and social media. However, Globo (free-to-air) and Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the Brasileirão clash.

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