Carlo Ancelotti’s first call-up to Mundo’s Copa reinforced a historic pattern in Brazilian football. Of the 26 players called up by the Italian coach for the 2026 Mundial, 23 competed in the Copa São Paulo of Futebol Júnior at some point in their career, setting a record among all call-ups from Brasil to Copas of Mundo.
The number represents 88% of the final list and surpasses the previous edition. Na Copa of 2022, in Catar, 22 of the 26 called up had participated in Copinha. The trajectory of these athletes highlights the importance of the competition as a showcase to reveal talents that reach the main Seleção.
Copinha’s historical strength in formation
Nomes, consolidated on the international scene, passed through Copinha before gaining space in Seleção. Neymar competed in the tournament in 2008 for Santos. Vinicius Júnior performed in 2017 for Flamengo. Bruno Guimarães participated in three editions for Audax between 2015 and 2017. Endrick went through the competition in 2022 with Palmeiras.
The competition organized by Federação Paulista of Futebol works as a kind of passport for young athletes seeking visibility in the market. Treinadores from Seleções and major European clubs closely follow performances during the tournament.
Flamengo highlighted among trainers
The Rio club appears prominently on the list by revealing three squad members who played for Copinha in different periods. Lucas Paquetá competed in 2016. Vinicius Júnior competed in 2017. Wesley participated in 2022.
Além of Flamengo, Corinthians also had a significant presence. Weverton appears as the oldest player in relation to the year of participation, having played against Copinha in 2005 and 2006. Palmeiras revealed Endrick in 2022. São Paulo introduced Casemiro, who played in 2009 and 2010.
Lista complete list of players who passed through Copinha
Goalkeepers Alisson and Weverton complete the defensive sector with experience in the tournament.
- Goleiros:Alisson (Internacional, 2011); Weverton (Juventus-AC, 2005 and Corinthians, 2006)
- Laterais:Alex Sandro (Athletico, 2008); Danilo (América-MG, 2009); Wesley (Flamengo, 2022)
- Zagueiros:Bremer (Desportivo Brasil, 2015); Gabriel Magalhães (Avaí, 2016); Léo Pereira (Athletico, 2013); Marquinhos (Corinthians, 2012)
- Meio-campers:Bruno Guimarães (Audax, 2015, 2016, 2017); Casemiro (São Paulo, 2009, 2010); Danilo (Palmeiras, 2020); Fabinho (Paulínia, 2011 and Fluminense, 2012); Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo, 2016)
- Atacantes:Endrick (Palmeiras, 2022); Gabriel Martinelli (Ituano, 2018, 2019); Igor Thiago (Cruzeiro, 2020); Luiz Henrique (Fluminense, 2019, 2020); Matheus Cunha (Coritiba, 2017); Neymar (Santos, 2008); Raphinha (Avaí, 2015); Rayan (Vasco from Gama, 2022, 2023); Vinicius Júnior (Flamengo, 2017)
Ausências in base lore
Apenas three players from the current squad do not have experience with Copinha. Goalkeeper Ederson did not compete in the tournament. Defender Roger Ibañez was also left out. The Douglas Santos full-back completes the list of athletes with no history at Copa São Paulo.
The majority presence of former participants reinforces the relevance of the competition in the development of players who reach the highest level of football. Rayan represents the most recent holding, having served as Vasco from Gama in 2023 before his ascension into the main Seleção for the 2026 cycle.