World Cup 2026: Which players will make the Brazil squad?

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All you need to know about Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Arguably one of the most popular football teams in the world, Brazil continue to be a force to be reckoned with in world football.

Legendary players like Pele, Garrincha, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo have all donned the yellow of Brazil and the Selecao have won the World Cup five times, more than any other nation.

However, they have not been at their best in recent years, especially at the World Cup as their performances in recent editions have been underwhelming. They were knocked out in the quarter-final and Round of 16 in 2006 and 2010 respectively, but it was the 2014 edition that brought the most humiliation, that too on home soil. Brazil were humbled by Germany in a shocking 7-1 defeat in the semi-finals at the Maracana. The Germans went on to win the tournament by defeating Argentina in the final.

In 2018, Brazil were among the favourites with a strong squad, but were once again disappointed after being knocked out by Belgium in the quarter-finals. The 2022 World Cup brought more of the same, as Croatia eliminated Brazil in a dramatic penalty shootout, once again in the quarter-finals.

Their performances in the CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup have not been convincing either. However, with a serial winner in Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, and some of Europe’s most exciting talents in the squad, there is renewed hope among the Joga Bonito faithful as they prepare to face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

But will that be enough to finally end the 24-year long drought? GOAL takes a look at the players at their disposal for the 2026 showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada.

Brazil v Colombia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeping situation for Brazil has always been an interesting one. While Liverpool’s Alisson is the front-runner between the sticks, the Selecao have also had the option of former Manchester City stopper Ederson Moraes, an exceptional goalkeeper, especially with the ball at his feet. Ederson now plies his trade in Turkey with Fenerbahce but remains an excellent alternative if needed. Brazil also have Bento, Hugo Souza, John and Carlos Miguel who could serve as back-up options at the World Cup.

Brazil v Paraguay - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Defenders

The Brazilian defence offers a mix of experienced veterans and emerging young talents. The presence of Marquinhos will be a key factor in leading the Selecao’s backline at this summer's tournament, while former Juventus star Alex Sandro remains a solid option at left-back, with Carlos Augusto of Inter providing reliable backup.

Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes will head into the World Cup after a dominant season with Arsenal and should partner Marquinhos in the heart of the back four - although Thiago Silva has ended his international retirement at the age of 41. Monaco's Vanderson will miss the tournament through injury, which means Roma ace Wesley could take over at right-back.

It will be interesting to see how Carlo Ancelotti utilises these players. Brazil’s leaky defence has been a major factor in their underwhelming performances in recent World Cup editions and will need to tighten up if they are to go deep into the tournament.

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Midfielders

Just like the defence, Brazil's midfield is a mixture of fresh talents and experienced stars. Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and a key player in the national team. Under Ancelotti, Guimaraes could be one of Brazil's star players at the World Cup.

Outgoing Manchester United star Casemiro is another Premier League midfielder who could have a significant role to play in Brazil's World Cup quest. Having already played under Ancelotti at Real Madrid, Casemiro remains a key member of the squad.

Lucas Paqueta was one of the best players for Brazil during the 2022 edition of the tournament, while Ederson, Gerson and Fabinho are other notable options for the Selecao to consider.

Brazil v Paraguay - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Attackers

It is in attack where Brazil are simply exceptional.

The Selecao boast numerous options in the forward line, including some of Europe's top stars. Vinicius Junior has already delivered multiple titles under Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, including two Champions League trophies. It was under Ancelotti that Vinicius found his best form, and he has performed consistently ever since.

Meanwhile, Barcelona's Raphinha has been in the form of his life under Hansi Flick and will be optimistic about replicating similar performances for the Selecao at the World Cup.

However, it's Neymar who has been making headlines ahead of the tournament. The former Barcelona and PSG star has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, which led to a return to his boyhood club Santos. Neymar has returned to action but doubts over his fitness remain and he has been overlooked by Ancelotti on a regular basis.

Other options like Matheus Cunha and Joao Pedro are also strong candidates and could play key roles in Ancelotti’s system, while Igor Thiago has staked a claim for a spot after a brilliant season with Brentford. Exciting talent Endrick is also one to watch after impressing on loan in France after a January move from Real Madrid.

Elsewhere, Richarlison is facing a race against time to prove his worth, while Rodrygo has been ruled out with an ACL injury.

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Brazil star players

Brazil have some big names in their squad for the 2026 World Cup, players who could be decisive in their journey at the spectacle. Determined to break the decades-long curse, Ancelotti will not be short of elite options.

PSG center-back Marquinhos led the French side to a treble-winning campaign in 2024-25 and has been performing at the top of his game. With his experience and leadership skills, Marquinhos will play a vital role in leading Brazil's backline at the World Cup.

Other stars like Vinicius Junior and Raphinha will need to step up in attack for the Selecao. With Ancelotti at the helm, both players will be optimistic about delivering on the grandest stage of them all.

Meanwhile, if Neymar manages to regain his spot in the Brazil lineup, he will undoubtedly be their main man, capable of deciding games single-handedly with his attacking prowess and flair. Brazil fans will be hopeful of witnessing a comeback from their iconic star but there are still huge question marks over whether he will be involved.

Brazil v Paraguay - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Predicted Brazil Starting XI for World Cup 2026

Between the sticks for Brazil, Alisson is expected to retain his place in the starting XI as the first-choice goalkeeper for Ancelotti’s side at the World Cup. Ederson is likely to continue in his role as the back-up.

In defence, Ancelotti has consistently preferred a four-man backline and is expected to adopt a similar system with the Selecao at the World Cup. Marquinhos and Gabriel have been the preferred centre-back pairing, while Wesley could replace the injured Vanderson at right-back. Alex Sandro of Flamengo is likely to feature on the left.

In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro are considered undroppable and will be crucial in controlling the tempo and defensive stability for Brazil. Doubts remain over Neymar's involvement but Ancelotti has all sorts of options going forward. Vinicius Jr, Estevao, Matheus Cunha and Raphinha could all start as part of a star-studded attack.

Predicted Brazil starting XI (4-2-4): Alisson; Wesley, Gabriel, Marquinhos, Sandro; Guimaraes, Casemiro; Vinicius, Estevao, Cunha, Raphinha.