Brazil's World Cup Squad Finalized: Ins & Outs, Predicted Starting Lineup, Rising Stars to Watch

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Brazil's World Cup Squad Finalized: Ins & Outs, Predicted Starting Lineup, Rising Stars to Watch

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated May 18, 2026 5:12 PM ET

The Brazilian national team squad for the 2026 World Cup has been revealed by their head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, in a highly anticipated press conference.

The press conference was livestreamed for fans on the official YouTube and TikTok channels. Ancelotti based his 26-man list on fitness, performances, and matches under his helm.

The official list is set before the June 1st deadline given by FIFA. The Brazil World Cup squad includes star players and young players who have played for the national team in previous matches, including friendly and qualifier matches.

Gabriel Martinelli of Brazil celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the international friendly match between Brazil and Croatia at Camping World Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

The players are expected to join the Brazil camp in preparation for the World Cup very soon.

Official Brazil World Cup squad

The following players will represent Brazil for the 2026 World Cup. The list includes regular star players like Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, and also sees the return of veteran players like Thiago Silva and Neymar Junior.

Goalkeepers:

Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
Ederson (Fenerbahçe)
Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders:

Marquinhos (PSG)
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Bremer (Juventus)
Alex Sandro (Flamengo)
Danilo (Flamengo)
Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg)
Ibanez (Al Ahli)
Leo Pereira (Flamengo)
Wesley (A.S. Roma)

Midfielders:

Casemiro (Manchester United)
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
Danilo (Botafogo)
Fabinho (Al Ittihad)
Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)

Forwards:

Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Raphinha (FC Barcelona)
Rayan (Bournemouth)
Endrick (Lyon/Real Madrid)
Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
Igor Thiago (Brentford)
Luis Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg)
Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)
Neymar Jr. (Santos FC)

OFFICIAL: Brazil release full World Cup squad by Carlo Ancelotti.

✅ Neymar Jr
✅ Alisson
✅ Endrick
❌ João Pedro
❌ Bento
❌ Andrey Santos
❌ Thiago Silva pic.twitter.com/WySKJb6P1M
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 18, 2026

Predicted Brazil Lineup for the World Cup

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Defenders: Douglas Santos, Gabriel, Marquinhos, Wesley
Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes
Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Raphinha, Endrick

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Rising Stars to Watch

Three young stars who are expected to make an impact at this World Cup who will be a part of the sqaud are Endrick, Rayan, and Luis Henrique.

Many football fans know the talent of Endrick, who has shown glimpses of his quality for Lyon in Ligue 1. Endrick is now a strong candidate to be one of the first names on the team sheet.

Rayan has had a great debut season with Bournemouth, and the 19-year-old has earned himself a call-up to the national team for the World Cup after just making his national team debut in March against Croatia.

Luis Henrique plays in Russia for Zenit St. Petersburg and has impressed Ancelotti in the March friendly matches against France and Croatia. He played in both games and provided an assist for Bremer in the 2-1 loss to France.

Big names that missed out on the Brazil World Cup squad are Chelsea's Joao Pedro and FC Porto's Thiago Silva.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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