Brazil Predicted XI at the 2026 World Cup

No country has won the World Cup more times than Brazil. With five trophies under their belt, the Canarinho are the most celebrated footballing nation in the history of the sport.

In many ways, Brazil took football and turned it into ‘the beautiful game’. They have always been a joy to watch – at their best, the Brazilians are utter spell-binding.

However, it has been a while since Brazil have enjoyed success at the World Cup. They haven’t won the tournament – or reached the final – since 2002.

As such, they will be looking to return to the pinnacle of football this summer. Who will Carlo Ancelotti call upon to play in his Brazil XI at the 2026 World Cup?

GK: Alisson

Alisson isn’t getting any younger, at the age of 33 – likewise, this hasn’t been the best season of his career. Nevertheless, the Liverpool shot-stopper is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world – and of all time.

Barring injury worries, he looks like a lock for this position. Ederson and Bento might run him close, but they aren’t on Alisson’s level as things stand.

RB: Wesley

Wesley only got his first senior cap last year – with Brazil being short of quality at right-back, he has come as an absolute godsend to Ancelotti.

He is a classic Brazilian wing-back – he isn’t the best defender in the world, but he makes up for it with his stellar attacking output.

CB: Gabriel

Is Gabriel the best centre-back in the world at the moment? From an offensive standpoint, the Arsenal man is completely untouchable.

An absolute obelisk of a defender, Gabriel is almost unbeatable in the air. Brazil have been characterised as a soft touch from a defensive standpoint over the years – with Gabriel in their XI, this certainly won’t be the case.

CB: Marquinhos

Gabriel will provide the brawn in Brazil’s defensive line – Marquinhos, on the other hand, will be able to supply the brains and technical ability.

A fantastic passer of the ball, Marquinhos is one of the best ball-playing defenders in the world. As club captain of PSG, arguably the best club side in the world at the moment, the 31-year-old will likely be one of the first names on the team sheet for Ancelotti.

LB: Caio Henrique

Another effective attacking full-back, Caio Henrique has been an important player for Monaco this season – both in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

He’s also very adaptable, being able to function as a centre-back and as a left midfielder. At international tournaments, this sort of pliability can be invaluable.

CM: Casemiro

At 33 years of age, the old war horse Casemiro knows this is likely his last World Cup – as such, you can expect him to give everything he has left to win the tournament.

When motivated and used to his strengths, Casemiro is still an incredibly effective ball-winner – his recent form at Manchester United is perfect example of this.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes

Bruno Guimaraes will be a perfect midfield partner for Casemiro. He makes up for the former Real Madrid man’s lack of pace and energy – additionally, he’s also a technically-adept operator who has been a godsend for Newcastle United this season.

Having scored nine goals in the Premier League this season, alongside a quartet of assists, Guimaraes is almost certain to start in Ancelotti’s XI.

RW: Estevao

Estevao is still very young at just 18 years of age, but Brazil simply do not have a superior right winger to him at the moment. He’s the youngest player in the XI – as such, he’ll unavoidably draw comparisons to Pele in the 1958 World Cup.

Despite this, Estevao is excellent value for his place in the squad. He is everything you’d expect from a Brazilian winger – he’s bold, speedy and loves taking his man on.

AM: Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro has often functioned as a number ten for Chelsea this season – in many ways, he’s more suited to this role than he is as a number nine.

With excellent creativity and movement, Joao Pedro causes nightmares for defenders when he is played a little bit deeper than normal.

LW: Raphinha

Picking between Raphinha and Vinicius Junior for the left wing role was almost impossible. We opted to choose Raphinha on account of his stronger goalscoring record this season, but there isn’t much in it.

A silky winger with underrated physicality, Raphinha has scored 11 goals over 36 caps for his country since his international debut back in 2021.

ST: Igor Thiago

Igor Thiago has yet to win a senior cap for Brazil – however, given his excellent performance in the Premier League this season, he certainly can’t be overlooked.

While Ancelotti may opt to shoehorn one of his superstar wingers into this role, he would be much better off fielding Thiago. A complete centre-forward, the Brentford ace will be able to hold up the ball and fashion chances for his teammates – something that Brazil have been missing out on for decades now.