Carlo Ancelotti evaluates the performance of Endrick and Igor Thiago to close the list for the 2026 World Cup

The Brazilian team ended the friendly period of Data Fifa in Estados Unidos with a structure practically settled for Copa of Mundo in 2026. Coach Carlo Ancelotti already has 24 names forwarded for the official call-up, which will take place on May 18th at Rio of Janeiro. The 3-1 victory over Croácia consolidated certainties in the defensive sector, but the individual performance of young talents created new dilemmas for closing the group of 26 athletes.

• The current list has 24 players who have the full trust of the Italian coaching staff.
• Lucas Paquetá, Endrick and Igor Thiago compete directly for the last two spots available on the squad.
• The defensive sector is closed with six defenders and three full-backs confirmed for the tournament.
• Neymar’s situation is monitored, but the recall is treated as unlikely at this time.

The Italian commander expressed satisfaction with the new players taking advantage of the opportunities during training in Orlando. The technical committee is now entering a phase of detailed observation of the European leagues and the start of the Campeonato Brasileiro to put the hammer down. Ancelotti’s priority is to maintain the tactical balance that has allowed Brasil to demonstrate competitiveness against elite teams recently.

Consolidated defense and names confirmed for the World Cup

The Brazilian rearguard was the sector that presented the most definitive answers during the last international commitments on American soil. Bremer and Léo Pereira secured their places in the final group by showing defensive security and good ball release in games against França and Croácia. Eles join the veterans Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Éder Militão and Danilo, forming a sextet of defenders with complementary characteristics for different game scenarios.

On the sides, coach Carlo Ancelotti opted to maintain names that already have a connection with the game system implemented since his arrival. Wesley, Alex Sandro and Douglas Santos are chosen for the roles, offering support in both marking and offensive support. The goal also presents no mysteries, with the maintenance of the trio Alisson, Ederson and Bento, who enjoy absolute prestige among the preparers of Confederação Brasileira and Futebol.

The offensive dilemma and the immediate impact of Endrick

The big unknown that hangs over the coaching staff lies in the final composition of the attack and midfield for the competition. Endrick, which was initially seen as a project for the 2030 Copa cycle, changed the outlook after his brilliant entry in the last friendly. Lyon’s young striker demonstrated maturity and decision-making power, forcing Ancelotti to rethink the strategy of taking only more experienced athletes to the offensive sector.

Igor Thiago is another name that came out stronger from this Data Fifa due to his profile as a classic center forward, a characteristic that is scarce among the others selected. Ele competes for space with the prestige of Lucas Paquetá, who despite not being called up in March, continues to be a player admired for his tactical flexibility. The final decision will depend on whether the coaching staff opts for an additional midfielder or a striker with a greater physical presence.

Midfield has absolute starters and new revelations

In the central sector, Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães remain the supporting pillars of the starting team for the debut in Copa of Mundo. Fabinho and Andrey Santos also secured their places as rotation options, offering defensive security and physical vigor for the second half of the matches. Entretanto, the big positive surprise was the rise of Danilo Santos, midfielder of Botafogo, who played flashy and efficient football at Estados Unidos.

Danilo Santos stood out for his ability to attack and finish, scoring an important goal that consolidated his likely move to Catar. The presence of a midfielder with this power of infiltration is seen as a strategic asset by Carlo Ancelotti to break down opposing defenses. Essa The black and white player’s statement puts even more pressure on the situation of Paquetá, who needs to demonstrate regularity at his club to not miss the final flight.

Attack structure and planning for the final call

The Brazilian team’s offensive sector already has seven names with tickets practically sealed for the world tournament. Vini Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Estevão, Gabriel Martinelli, Luiz Henrique and João Pedro received positive signals from the technical committee throughout the cycle. The abundance of fast wingers allows Brasil to maintain a high intensity throughout the 90 minutes, regardless of the substitutions made.

The definitive list will be announced at 11:00 am (Brasília time) on May 18, putting an end to speculation about the 26 representatives. Até There, the CBF medical department monitors the physical recovery of athletes and the pace of play in the main centers of world football. The technical committee is now traveling to Europa to observe the quarter-finals of the continental competitions on site before finalizing the official document.

Expectations about Neymar and monitoring in national football

The situation of Neymar remains a secondary question mark, although the probability of his presence is considered remote by the selection’s top brass. The player, who plays under Santos, is being watched, but Ancelotti’s priority is to reward the performance of those who actively participated in the entire preparation process. The commission understands that the current group has the necessary cohesion to seek the title, avoiding relying exclusively on a single star.

The popular outcry for Endrick and the regularity of Igor Thiago are factors that weigh on the emotional balance of the call. Carlo Ancelotti seeks a balance between meritocracy demonstrated on the field and the need for players with specific profiles for knockout situations. The final choice between the Flamengo midfielder and the promising attackers will define the tactical identity of Brasil in the quest for a sixth world championship in 2026.