Carlo Ancelotti has picked his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, with Neymar finally finding out his fate after months of trying to force his way into plans.
The five-time winners of the biggest international competition in world football are among the favourites to lift the iconic trophy in July. Even more so with one of the greatest managers in world football now at the helm.
Brazil haven’t been to a World Cup final since they last won the tournament in 2002. The South Americans were knocked out of the 2022 competition in Qatar by Croatia. They will play Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in the group stages this time around.
Goalkeepers
Alisson in action for Brazil
Unsurprisingly, Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson Becker has been included in Ancelotti’s crop of goalkeepers. Despite missing the end of the Premier League season through injury, the Brazilian is still one of the best ‘keepers around on his day and was the first choice in Qatar.
Ederson has often been the man competing with Alisson for the No.1 jersey. The ex-Manchester City star has fallen out of the limelight since moving to Fenerbahce, but he’s still one of the two best goalkeepers his nation has to offer.
Brazil’s 2026 World Cup Squad – Goalkeepers
Player
Club
Age
Alisson Becker
Liverpool
33
Ederson
Fenerbahce
32
Weverton
Gremio
28
Defenders
Experienced centre-backs Gabriel and Marquinhos may have an awkward meet-up with the international squad as one of them will beat the other to the Champions League trophy later this month. However, the impressive defenders are in pole position to be Ancelotti’s first-choice pairing at the heart of his defence.
Veteran full-backs Alex Sandro (35) and Danilo (34) are still going strong and will likely get minutes in the United States, Canada and Mexico-based tournament. Bremer and Wesley are the Serie A representatives under their Italian boss.
Brazil’s 2026 World Cup Squad – Defenders
Player
Club
Age
Marquinhos
PSG
32
Gabriel Magalhaes
Arsenal
28
Leo Pereira
Flamengo
30
Bremer
Juventus
29
Danilo
Flamengo
34
Alex Sandro
Flamengo
35
Wesley
AS Roma
22
Douglas Santos
Zenit St. Petersburg
32
Ibanez
Al-Ahli
27
Midfielders
Many familiar names are expected to line up in the engine room this summer. Casemiro may be leaving Manchester United, but there’s every chance he’s among the best-performing midfielders in Europe this season.
The 34-year-old will be battling ex-Liverpool man Fabinho and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes for a spot in Ancelotti’s XI as the defensive-minded midfielder. His past relationship with the manager at Real Madrid could be vital.
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta and Danilo of Botafogo make up Ancelotti’s five midfield options, with the manager going very attack-heavy in his selections.
Brazil’s 2026 World Cup Squad – Midfielders
Player
Club
Age
Casemiro
Manchester United
34
Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle
28
Fabinho
Al-Ittihad
32
Lucas Paqueta
Flamengo
28
Danilo
Botafogo
25
Forwards
Raphinha
There was only one huge call Ancelotti really had to make when it came to his attacking players. Would Neymar get one last swansong on the international stage? Well, the answer to that question is yes.
Joining the Santos superstar, the manager has picked four Premier League forwards and one plying his trade in Russia. Endrick, Matheus Cunha and Igor Thiago have all had impressive seasons in their own right and will compete for the starting striker role. Bournemouth’s Rayan is a shock inclusion.
Gabriel Martinelli, meanwhile, may feel slightly lucky to get the call-up after an inconsistent season at Arsenal. Vinicius Junior and Raphinha were the obvious picks for Ancelotti and it would be a surprise if they aren’t the starting wingers.
Brazil’s 2026 World Cup Squad – Forwards
Player
Club
Age
Matheus Cunha
Manchester United
26
Vinicius Jr
Real Madrid
25
Raphinha
Barcelona
29
Igor Thiago
Brentford
24
Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal
24
Luiz Henrique
Zenit St. Petersburg
25
Endrick
Lyon (loan)
19
Neymar
Santos
34
Rayan
Bournemouth
19