The 2026 Brazil World Cup squad has been announced.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has decided to include Neymar in the 2026 Brazil World Cup squad, to the relief of a lot of football lovers around the world. There are no major surprises in the squad aside from the omission of Joao Pedro of Chelsea, as Brazil look to win their seventh World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The 2026 Brazil World Cup squad is one of the strongest in the tournament. However, on closer introspection, one finds a few weaknesses as well.
2026 Brazil World Cup Squad Strengths
As mentioned, Neymar has been selected to appear in his fourth World Cup. The 34-year-old has played in 128 matches for the Selecao so far, scoring 79 goals in them, which makes him their highest-ever goal-scorer.
However, Neymar might find it tough to get into the starting XI, as Vinicius Junior should be starting on the left flank, Raphinha should be the No.10, and Endrick might start on the right with Cunha as the centre-forward.
However, it remains to be seen whether Ancelotti decides to start Neymar as the No.10 and put Raphinha on the right, giving the latter a chance to cut in with his preferred left foot.
Their defence is quite strong as well, with Marquinhos and Gabriel, both of whom will feature in the UEFA Champions League final later this month, who should be the centre-back duo for them.
However, the weakness of the 2026 Brazil World Cup squad lies in its full-backs and midfield. They have Alex Sandro, a former Juventus player, and Danilo as full-backs, but both of them are probably past their prime.
In midfield, too, Casemiro and Fabinho are there, but neither is any longer in his prime. Casemiro is 34, and Fabinho is 32, but the latter has played in the Saudi Pro League for the past few years while Casemiro is all set to leave Manchester United at the end of the current season.
Bruno Guimaraes might get a chance to start in midfield for the Brazilians. He might either play in the double-pivot alongside Casemiro or play as a No.8 in a 4-3-3. Guimaraes has logged almost 200 appearances for Newcastle United in his five seasons with them so far and scored 31 goals.
Still, that is not the kind of midfield that should make people feel very excited. A lot of Brazil’s players no longer play in European leagues, and the fact that they play in the Saudi league points to the fact that they might have left their best years behind them.
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Brazil won the World Cup 24 years ago and have failed to reach even the semifinals since. Ancelotti will want desperately to reverse the tide and win the coveted prize for the Selecao as the first foreign coach in their history.
The 2026 Brazil World Cup squad is strong, but it could have done with a few more exciting midfielders. However, one must remember that Brazil won the World Cup the last time it was held in the United States, in 1994.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Xinhua
Recording Date: 18.05.2026
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