As many domestic leagues wrap up over the coming weeks, attention is turning to the 2026 World Cup. Squads are beginning to be announced, with some still to be confirmed. Brazil are often pre-tournament favourites for any World Cup, and they have now announced their preliminary squad for this summer’s competition, as reported by Globo,
Neymar Makes Preliminary Squad – Estevao Misses Out
Brazil 2026 World Cup
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has submitted his 55-man provisional World Cup squad to FIFA. It’s an intriguing insight into what Ancelotti is looking for, and an indication of the fitness of some well-known players.
The headline from the squad is undoubtedly the return of 34-year-old Neymar. The Italian manager had previously said he “will only call up players who are physically ready” to compete at the highest level. This is a huge vote of confidence for such a talismanic player, and it will be a huge boost to the squad and the country.
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Not a surprise, but a huge blow for Brazil is Chelsea starlet Estevao not making the squad, due to a hamstring injury. The young winger decided against surgery to make this summer’s competition, but the CBF medical department has determined the 19-year-old will not be fit in time. A huge blow for Ancelotti and the player. Another notable inclusion is 41-year-old Thiago Silva, who seems to defy his age and operate at the highest level.
Brazil Preliminary Squad
- Alisson (Liverpool)
- Bento (Al-Nassr)
- Ederson (Fenerbahçe)
- Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
- John (Nottingham Forest)
- Weverton (Grêmio)
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- Alex Sandro (Flamengo)
- Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille)
- Bremer (Juventus)
- Carlos Augusto (Inter de Milão)
- Danilo (Flamengo)
- Douglas Santos (Zenit)
- Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro)
- Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
- Ibañez (Al-Ahli)
- Kaiki Bruno (Cruzeiro)
- Leo Ortiz (Flamengo)
- Leo Pereira (Flamengo)
- Luciano Juba (Bahia)
- Marquinhos (PSG)
- Paulo Henrique (Vasco)
- Thiago Silva (Porto)
- Vitinho (Botafogo)
- Vitor Reis (Girona)
- Wesley (Roma)
- Andreas Pereira (Palmeiras)
- Andrey Santos (Chelsea)
- Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle)
- Casemiro (Manchester United)
- Danilo (Botafogo)
- Ederson (Atalanta)
- Fabinho (Al-Ittihad)
- Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
- Gerson (Cruzeiro)
- João Gomes (Wolverhampton)
- Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)
- Matheus Pereira (Cruzeiro)
- Antony (Betis)
- Endrick (Lyon)
- Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
- Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
- Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest)
- Igor Thiago (Brentford)
- João Pedro (Chelsea)
- Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro)
- Luiz Henrique (Zenit)
- Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)
- Neymar (Santos)
- Pedro (Flamengo)
- Raphinha (Barcelona)
- Rayan (Bournemouth)
- Richarlison (Tottenham)
- Samuel Lino (Flamengo)
- Vini Jr (Real Madrid)
Featured Image Credit:
IMAGO / HochZwei
