Carlo Ancelotti will reveal the 26 names from Seleção Brasileira to Copa from Mundo on the 18th. The Italian coach consolidated his decisions after ten observation games that included friendlies against França and Croácia, as well as monitoring club competitions. Lesões of Rodrygo, Estêvão and Éder Militão opened space for athletes in better physical condition to take positions on the squad.
Goleiros: Alisson remains the undisputed holder
Alisson remains the starting goalie despite his recent injury history. Ederson maintains first reserve status, although he has also faced physical problems. The third goalkeeper will probably be Bento, a constant presence in Ancelotti’s squads. Hugo Souza’s Corinthians has superior attributes in defending penalties, but has not yet gained the coach’s full trust to join the final list.
Defesa reformulated due to absences
The right side undergoes a redesign without Éder Militão. Wesley from Roma emerges as the natural starter in the position, while Danilo from Flamengo is among those called up confirmed by Ancelotti, bringing defensive versatility and leadership. On the left, Douglas Santos has shown recovery from injury in recent clashes, while Alex Sandro of Flamengo remains as a reserve.
The starting defenders are consolidated in the duo Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães. Juventus’s Bremer and Flamengo’s Léo Pereira complement the defensive options, with the latter offering ball clearance and offensive presence. The possibility of calling up five defenders instead of four gains strength, prioritizing defensive solidity to the detriment of more attackers.
Meio-field with consolidated steering wheel duo
Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães form the steering wheel duo. Fabinho works as spare tire for Casemiro, while Andrey Santos of Chelsea provides alternative for Bruno Guimarães. Danilo of Botafogo deserves inclusion after an excellent performance in Brazilian football, making good use of the opportunity in the last call-up.
- Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães as absolute holders
- Fabinho as backup defensive midfielder
- Andrey Santos as a creative alternative
- Danilo as a versatility option
- Lucas Paquetá for tactical changes
Lucas Paquetá of Flamengo joins the list as a tactical alternative, allowing formation changes with the removal of the attacker for greater volume in the middle. Sua’s ability to emulate classic creator characteristics makes it important in the absence of a traditional midfielder.
Ataque with eight names for five or six vacancies
Vini Jr, Raphinha and Matheus Cunha occupy right positions in the attack. Injuries to Rodrygo and Estêvão create opportunities for Luiz Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli to gain ground. João Pedro maintains consistency in Chelsea despite recent drop in goals, while Endrick has been reborn in Lyon with his talent evident.
Igor Thiago of Brentford has better numbers than Igor Jesus of Nottingham Forest for the ninth offensive spot. Rayan of Bournemouth completes the options, generating doubt between an additional attacker or a fifth defender for greater defensive solidity. The offensive squad brings together quality and tactical alternatives regardless of the final configuration chosen by Ancelotti.
Últimos adjustments before official announcement
The official announcement on the 18th will end speculation about Ancelotti’s final decisions. Até therefore, injuries that may occur in upcoming club commitments and performances in continental competitions may influence choices. The Copa of the Mundo demands a balance between offensive quality and defensive solidity, these being the key points of the Italian’s technical deliberations during his first month in command of the Seleção Brasileira.
