Brazil squad World Cup 2026: Which players have made 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 to start between the sticks, the Selecao also have the option of former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, who has bags of experience and numerous title wins from his time working under Pep Guardiola in the Premier League. Weverton, meanwhile, will serve as the third-choice option.

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.

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. Juventus' Bremer, meanwhile, offers an alternative option at the heart of the defence.

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and remains a key player in the national team. He is likely to start alongside Casemiro, with the Manchester United midfielder picked for what will surely be his final international tournament for the Selecao.

Lucas Paqueta was one of the best players for Brazil during the 2022 edition of the tournament and is also selected in the 26-man party, while experienced former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho is also called upon and will act as a back-up option.

It is in attack where Brazil are simply exceptional and have a wealth of options to choose from.

The big selection talking point before the squad was picked focused on Neymar and whether the Santos forward would be fit enough to be included. Ancelotti has decided that is the case, with the ex-Barcelona and PSG forward selected ahead of the likes of Joao Pedro and Antony. 

Vinicius Junior has already delivered multiple titles under Ancelotti at Real Madrid and should start on the left of the attack, with Gabriel Martinelli an alternative back-up option. Vinicius' Real Madrid team-mate Rodrygo misses out due to injury, while Raphinha has been in the form of his life under Hansi Flick and will hope to play a major role in North America.

One of Matheus Cunha or Igor Thiago is likely to lead the line for the Selecao, meanwhile, while xciting talent Endrick is one to watch after impressing on loan at Lyon after a January move from Real Madrid.

Premier League forwards Richarlison and Estevao both miss out, with the latter having beeen struggling with a thigh problem he suffered back in April.

Brazil have some big names in their squad for the 2026 World Cup, players who could be decisive as they aim to go all the way.

PSG centre-back Marquinhos remains the cornerstone of their defence and has been performing at the top of his game as PSG once again collected the Ligue 1 title. Gabriel, meanwhile, has been ever-present at the back for Arsenal and offers a goalscoring threat at the other end of the pitch during set-piece situations.

Other stars like Vinicius Junior and Raphinha will need to step up in attack for the Selecao, while Neymar will undoubtedly have a role to play, likely as an impact substitute from the bench, as he looks to bow out on a high in what will surely be his final major international tournament in Brazil yellow.

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 set to form the screen in front of the back four and will be crucial in controlling the tempo and providing defensive stability for Brazil. Vinicius Jr, Matheus Cunha and Raphinha, meanwhile, should all start as part of a star-studded attack.

Predicted Brazil starting XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Wesley, Gabriel, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro; Guimaraes, Casemiro; Raphinha, Endrick, Vinicius Jr; Cunha.