Brazil World Cup 2026 squad: Ancelotti’s picks

Brazil World Cup 2026 squad hopes to restore the Seleção’s golden aura after two decades without lifting football’s ultimate prize. Carlo Ancelotti’s expected arrival, coupled with a new generation of entertainers, has reignited belief from Manaus to Porto Alegre that a sixth star is finally within reach.

Why the Brazil World Cup 2026 squad matters more than ever

After quarter-final exits in 2018 and 2022, the pressure on the Brazil World Cup 2026 squad cannot be overstated. A nation that measures success in titles, not semi-finals, needs a clear plan, fresh legs and cooler heads. The expanded 48-team format means tougher travel and more knockout rounds, and Brazil must be sharper than in Qatar.

Goalkeepers: safe hands for a long tournament

Alisson Becker and Ederson remain the leading duo. Both are in their prime and will arrive in North America as seasoned Champions League winners. Bento (Athletico-PR) and Lucas Perri (Botafogo) battle for the third spot, but Ancelotti usually prefers a reliable veteran core, making Alisson the likely No.1 once more.

Defence: can youth replace ageing legs?

Éder Militão anchors the back line, while Marquinhos offers versatility. Bremer, Gabriel Magalhães and 19-year-old prodigy João Gomes provide depth. Full-back has been Brazil’s Achilles heel since Cafu and Roberto Carlos; Ancelotti may field Danilo and Renan Lodi, yet eyes are on Vanderson (Monaco) and Kaio Henrique for added dynamism.

Midfield: a perfect blend of steel and samba

Casemiro’s leadership is priceless, but at 34 he may rotate with João Gomes and André Trindade. Bruno Guimarães delivers box-to-box energy, while Lucas Paquetá’s creativity remains central if he overcomes injury concerns. Expect Real Madrid duo Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni only as opponents; instead, rising Palmeiras star Luis Guilherme could earn a surprise call-up.

Attack: the jewel of the Brazil World Cup 2026 squad

Vinícius Júnior headlines an electrifying forward line. Rodrygo, Endrick and Gabriel Martinelli add pace, while Richarlison, if he rediscovers form, still offers aerial presence. Raphinha and Antony fight for minutes on the right, but teenage sensation Ângelo (Chelsea) lurks as a wildcard. Neymar’s fitness remains the biggest question. Should he stay healthy, Ancelotti might deploy him as a false nine to maximise both flair and control.

Tactical outlook under Ancelotti

The Italy-born tactician thrives with flexible 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 shapes. In possession, the full-backs tuck in to form a back three, allowing Vinícius freedom to isolate defenders. Transitions will be rapid: Casemiro wins the ball, Guimarães drives forward, and Vinícius or Rodrygo finish. Expect set-piece routines honed from Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid, giving Bremer and Militão licence to attack corners.

Qualification form: unconvincing but fixable

Early defeats to Uruguay and Argentina exposed defensive lapses and overreliance on individual brilliance. Yet Ancelotti’s calm demeanour and demanding training sessions should iron out positional errors. Importantly, CONMEBOL’s marathon qualifying still leaves room to experiment without risking elimination.

Wildcards and dark horses

Gabriel Moscardo (Corinthians) is tipped as Brazil’s next midfield destroyer, while Savinho (Girona) has exploded in La Liga. If either continues their trajectory, the duo could gate-crash the Brazil World Cup 2026 squad. Likewise, left-footer Arana (Atlético-MG) offers balance at left-back and proficiency in dead-ball situations.

Historical weight on modern shoulders

Five stars stitched above the crest create both pride and burden. Since 2002, Brazil have exited to European opposition in every World Cup except their 2022 shoot-out heartbreak versus Croatia. Ancelotti’s familiarity with European tactics may finally reverse that trend.

Key fixtures en route to North America

• 21 March 2025: Brazil vs Argentina – Maracanã showdown
• 9 June 2025: Colombia vs Brazil – altitude test in Bogotá
• September 2025: Friendly vs Spain in Miami – dress rehearsal at a host venue

Projected 23-man roster

1. Alisson, 2. Ederson, 3. Bento
4. Danilo, 5. Vanderson, 6. Renan Lodi, 7. Arana, 8. Militão, 9. Marquinhos, 10. Bremer
11. Casemiro, 12. Bruno Guimarães, 13. João Gomes, 14. André, 15. Paquetá, 16. Luis Guilherme
17. Vinícius Júnior, 18. Rodrygo, 19. Neymar, 20. Endrick, 21. Gabriel Martinelli, 22. Raphinha, 23. Richarlison

Can the Brazil World Cup 2026 squad end the drought?

Depth and star quality are undeniable, but mental resilience is equally vital. Ancelotti’s man-management, forged during comebacks in Istanbul and Paris, could be the missing ingredient, ensuring the Seleção stay composed in knockout tension.

The roadblocks ahead

Injury management tops the list. Neymar, Paquetá and Militão have all endured lengthy lay-offs. Altitude matches in Mexico City and travel fatigue across three nations will test squad rotation. Additionally, European rivals France, England and Spain boast similarly stacked line-ups, while Argentina’s Lionel Messi farewell tour may fuel their own title defence.

What success would look like

Semi-finals may satisfy neutrals, yet Brazil judge themselves by titles. Anything short of hoisting the trophy inside New York’s MetLife Stadium on 19 July 2026 will feel like another missed chance.

Final thoughts

The Brazil World Cup 2026 squad possesses experience at the back, artistry in midfield and blistering pace up front. Blend those ingredients with Ancelotti’s pragmatic touch, and the Seleção could dance their way back to glory provided they conquer the ghosts of recent disappointments.

Opinion

If Neymar accepts a secondary role and Vinícius steps fully into the spotlight, Brazil will be the most balanced and fearless side in the tournament. Anything less, and the weight of history may again prove too heavy.