News Focus
- Carlo Ancelotti confirms Brazil’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup
- Serie A defenders Gleison Bremer and Wesley receive international call-ups
- Neymar, 34, included despite recent fitness concerns and Santos return
- Former Italian league stars Alex Sandro, Danilo, Marquinhos and Paquetà also selected
- Selecao drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland
Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his first World Cup squad since taking charge of Brazil. The Italian manager selected 26 players for the upcoming tournament in North America.
The roster includes two current Serie A defenders. Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer and Roma full-back Wesley both earned places in the defensive unit. Several other squad members previously played in Italy’s top flight. These include Alex Sandro, Danilo, Marquinhos, and Lucas Paquetà.
Neymar’s selection generated significant debate before the announcement. The 34-year-old forward recently returned to his boyhood club Santos. Many supporters questioned whether Ancelotti would recall the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star. The coach ultimately included the experienced attacker in his final list.
Brazil enter the competition as strong favourites. The 2026 tournament will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Selecao will compete in Group C against Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.
The goalkeeping department features Alisson Becker of Liverpool, Ederson from Fenerbahce, and Weverton of Gremio.
In defence, Ancelotti chose Alex Sandro and Danilo from Flamengo, Douglas Santos of Zenit St Petersburg, Gabriel Magalhães from Arsenal, Roger Ibañez at Al-Ahli, Léo Pereira of Flamengo, and Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos.
The midfield contains Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle United, Casemiro from Manchester United, Danilo representing Botafogo, Fabinho at Al-Ittihad, and Flamengo’s Lucas Paquetá.
The attacking line proves star-studded. Endrick of Lyon, Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal, Igor Thiago at Brentford, Luiz Henrique of Zenit, Matheus Cunha from Manchester United, Raphinha at Barcelona, Rayan representing Bournemouth, and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior join Neymar in the forward ranks.