Brazil World Cup 2026 Squad Review: Ancelotti Leads Five-time Winners in Quest for Six

Five-time winners Brazil are aiming to end a near quarter-of-a-century wait for World Cup glory this summer. Let’s take a look at the squad they’ll be hoping can take them all the way in North America.

Brazil’s World Cup 2026 Squad at a Glance

The first-ever non-Brazilian to take Brazil to a World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti has assembled a group of players he’ll hope can deliver a record-extending sixth world crown – 24 years after the Selecao’s last triumph.

Brazil’s squad ranges from vastly experienced campaigners to major tournament first-timers, with a few eye-catching inclusions – perhaps none more so than Neymar, now back at boyhood club Santos. There were question marks over the 34-year-old’s call-up and there are question marks over his participation at the World Cup after he picked up a calf injury.

There’s a fairly eclectic mix of leagues across the 26 players selected, with 14 playing their club football in a top-five European league, seven based in Brazil, three representing clubs in Saudi Arabia and two in Russia.

Notable Absentees from Brazil’s World Cup 2026 Squad

With such a vast pool of players to choose from, Brazil are always going to have to leave out some big names. Among those left out when Ancelotti whittled his provisional squad down to a final 26 are veteran centre-back Thiago Silva, and strikers Richarlison and Joao Pedro. Meanwhile, wingers Rodrygo and Estevao miss out though injury.

Brazil’s World Cup 2026 Goalkeepers

Despite an injury-afflicted season, Liverpool’s Alisson should be Brazil’s number one this summer. He’s joined in the goalkeeping department by long-time understudy Ederson, now at Fenerbahce, and 38-year-old Weverton of Brazilian side Gremio.

Brazil’s World Cup 2026 Defenders

At the back, Brazil can rely on two of the game’s outstanding centre-backs: captain Marquinhos of PSG and Arsenal’s Gabriel – though there is a certain lack of depth there, with Bremer of Juventus the only other centre-half playing in a top-five European league.

The full-back positions could both be occupied by domestically based players: Danilo on the right and his Flamengo teammate Alex Sandro on the left, with Zenit’s Douglas Santos – who switched has allegiance from Russia back to Brazil last year – another option in the latter role.

Brazil’s World Cup 2026 Midfielders

Brazil can draw from a wealth of top talent in the middle of the park, with Casemiro one of the first names on the team sheet after an impressive final season at Manchester United. One would expect him to partner another Premier League player, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes at the heart of the midfield.

Ancelotti has deployed 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 formations in recent friendlies, which might suggest a very fluid midfield at the tournament. And if he opts for traditional wingers in a four, the likes of Barcelona’s Raphinha and Man Utd’s Matheus Cunha fit the bill.

Brazil’s World Cup 2026 Forwards

Whether he plays in a front two or as a lone striker, Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is sure to be integral to Brazil’s quest for World Cup number six this summer. He’s joined in the forward department by a cast of Premier League players, of whom the form man is Igor Thiago – scorer of 22 English top-flight goals for Brentford in 2025/26, the most of anyone in the division bar Erling Haaland.

Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and Bournemouth’s Rayan – who only made his senior international debut in March – provide further wide forward options for Ancelotti.

Next, see How Does the New World Cup Format Work?