Brazil squad World Cup 2026: Which players will make it to the showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada?

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 plys his trade in Turkey with Fenerbahçe but remains an excellent alternative if needed. Brazil also have Bento, Hugo Souza and Weverton who could also serve as backup options at the World Cup.

The Brazilian defence offers a mix of experienced veterans and emerging young talents. The presence of Marquinhos at center-back will be a key factor in leading the Selecao’s backline at next year’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 backline. However, Monaco's Vanderson is expected to miss the tournament through injury which means Wesley Franca could take over at right-back.

It will be interesting to see how Carlo Ancelotti utilizes 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.

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 next year.

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 makes Casemiro one of the key members in the squad.

Lucas Paqueta was one of the best players for Brazil during the 2022 edition of the tournament but his place in the squad may be in doubt after he was left out of the squad for pre-World Cup friendlies against France and Croatia.

The likes of Douglas Luiz, Gerson and Ederson are also notable options for the Selecao squad for the World Cup.

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 was left out of Ancelotti's squad for March friendlies against France and Croatia.

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 fitness in time for the tournament, while Rodrygo has been ruled out with an ACL injury.

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

PSG center-back Marquinhos recently led the French side to a treble-winning campaign 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 for Brazil.

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 backup.

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 are currently the preferred center-back pairing, while Wesley Franca 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 Carlo Ancelotti has all sorts of options going forward. Vinicius Jr, Willian Estevao, Matheus Cunha and Raphinha could all start as part of a star-studded attack.

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