Léo Pereira hands Carlo Ancelotti a selection headache after standout Brazil debut | OneFootball

March’s international window has left Carlo Ancelotti with a selection headache, after Léo Pereira’s impressive first call-up tightened competition for Brazil’s limited World Cup places.

New to the senior side, the Flamengo centre-back delivered assured displays against France and Croatia. According to ESPN, Ancelotti has already settled on nine defenders for the 2026 World Cup and Léo Pereira is among them.

Recent squads indicate Danilo, Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães are virtually certain of their places, which would leave one centre-back berth. Ancelotti has already guaranteed Danilo’s spot.

The reported defensive group comprises Danilo of Flamengo, Wesley of Roma (ITA), Alex Sandro of Flamengo, Douglas Santos of Zenit (RUS), Marquinhos of PSG (FRA), Gabriel Magalhães of Arsenal (ING), Éder Militão of Real Madrid (ESP), Bremer of Juventus (ITA), and Léo Pereira of Flamengo.

Flamengo return against Red Bull Bragantino on Thursday, kicking off at 21:30 Brasília time at Estádio Cícero de Souza Marques in the ninth round of the Brasileirão. Rede Globo will broadcast live on free-to-air TV, with Premiere also showing the match on pay-per-view.

Source: Coluna Do Fla