Confederação Brasileira of Futebol sent the pre-list with 55 athletes for Copa of Mundo of 2026 to Fifa on Monday. The document serves as a preliminary basis for the final call that will be announced by Carlo Ancelotti on May 18th, on Rio of Janeiro. The list includes experienced names and young players on the rise, with highlights being Vini Jr, Neymar and Endrick leading the offensive squad.
The technical committee worked throughout the day at the CBF headquarters to define the names that will make up the pre-list. The submission complies with the regulations of Fifa, which organizes the tournament. The broad list allows for strategic cuts until the final definition of the 26 called up, considering the athletes’ performance, physical form and injuries in the coming days.
Flamengo leads representation with seven players
Flamengo is the club with the largest presence on the pre-list, with seven listed athletes. Entre they are Danilo, Alex Sandro, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Lucas Paquetá, Pedro and Samuel Lino. Left-back Alex Sandro and defender Danilo reinforce the defense, while Paquetá commands the midfield in good shape this season.
Outros Brazilian clubs also have a significant presence in the list. Cruzeiro appears with representatives in the defensive sector and midfield, while Vasco, Bahia and Botafogo complete the representation of domestic football. The majority of those called up play in major European leagues, reflecting the squad’s tendency towards internationalization.
Goleiros, defenders and midfielders in the pre-list
The goalkeeper sector has six names: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Hugo Souza (Corinthians), John (Nottingham Forest) and Weverton (Grêmio). The position offers consolidated options in the Europa and Brasil, allowing choices in the event of injury or performance fluctuation.
- Alisson, from Liverpool, remains the team’s main goalkeeper.
- Marquinhos, from PSG, maintains his place in central defense.
- Bruno Guimarães, from Newcastle, commands the midfield.
- Thiago Silva, from Porto, returns after Portuguese title.
- Endrick, from Lyon, represents the new generation of attackers.
The defense brings together 17 athletes with experience and youth. Zagueiros like Bremer (Juventus), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) and Marquinhos (PSG) bring consolidation. Laterais like Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille) and Wesley (Roma) offer versatility. Thiago Silva has not been called up since 2022 and his return brings experience to the defensive system.
Meio-field and attack with offensive strength
The midfield has 13 names, with players who play in major European leagues dominating the list. Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) and João Gomes (Wolverhampton) form the experience core. Andreas Pereira (Palmeiras), Andrey Santos (Chelsea) and Gerson (Cruzeiro) complement the tactical options for different schemes.
The attack brings together offensive weight with Vini Jr (Real Madrid) as the main star. Neymar (Santos) joins the list despite the recent period away. Endrick (Lyon) represents the younger generation alongside Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) and Raphinha (Barcelona). Richarlison (Tottenham), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) and Pedro (Flamengo) complete the options for the sector.
Ausências and monitoring until the final call
Estêvão, from Chelsea, was left out of the pre-list due to a thigh muscle injury. The coaching staff monitors the physical conditioning of some names, considering recent injuries that influenced strategic choices. GE has identified 51 of the 55 athletes listed so far.
Faltam just a few days until the official announcement on Museu of Amanhã on Rio of Janeiro. Ancelotti and the team watch the athletes’ last games before the final decision. The pre-list does not guarantee a place, and cuts must occur to reach the 26 called up. The Brasil is preparing for the Copa of the Mundo, which brings together 48 teams and starts in June at the Estados Unidos, Canadá and México.