Brazil's 2026 World Cup Squad Takes Shape Under New Coach Ancelotti

Ancelotti Names His World Cup Roster

Carlo Ancelotti has named his preliminary 35-man Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next month, in a list that contains several surprising inclusions, one high-profile exclusion, and a fascinating tactical shape that suggests the Italian manager intends to play an attack-minded 4-3-3. The squad is built around the Premier League's current generation of Brazilian stars, with nine players drawn from English clubs, alongside a number of talents from La Liga, Serie A, and the Saudi Pro League. The finalised 26-man roster will be announced on June 1, a fortnight before Brazil's opening group fixture against Serbia at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Ancelotti brings an extraordinary wealth of experience to the Brazil job

The headline inclusion is 19-year-old Endrick, the Real Madrid striker whose goals tally of 18 in his debut season at the Bernabéu has announced him as one of the most exciting young talents in European football. Ancelotti, who coached Endrick daily in Madrid before leaving to take the Brazil job, has been effusive in his praise of the teenager and is expected to include him in the final 26. The headline exclusion is Gabriel Jesus, the veteran Arsenal forward who was left out of the preliminary squad after a season disrupted by injury. The decision reflects Ancelotti's determination to prioritise youth, energy, and the best available form over reputation.

The Spine of the Team

The likely starting eleven revolves around Alisson Becker in goal, a back four of Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Wendell, a midfield three of Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá, and Bruno Guimarães, and an attacking trident of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Endrick. This line-up represents arguably the most talented collection of Brazilians since the 2002 World Cup-winning squad, and there is a genuine belief within the camp that this generation has the quality to end the country's 24-year wait for the trophy.

Vinicius Jr will be Brazil

Vinícius Júnior, who is at the peak of his powers, is expected to be the tournament's most dangerous player. The 25-year-old Real Madrid winger has scored 28 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions this season, and his ability to beat opponents at pace, to finish with both feet, and to create chances for teammates makes him almost undefendable in open space. His rivalry with former club friend Rodrygo for the right to be considered Brazil's best player adds an edge to training sessions that Ancelotti has privately acknowledged will need to be managed carefully.

The Midfield Question

The midfield selection has been the most contentious aspect of Ancelotti's squad-building. Casemiro, who turns 35 during the tournament, has been retained as the defensive anchor, despite a mixed season at Manchester United. The manager has maintained faith with the veteran on the basis of his leadership qualities and his experience in major tournaments, but there are questions about his ability to cope with the physicality and intensity of a World Cup on the summer temperatures of North America. Bruno Guimarães, by contrast, is in the form of his career at Newcastle United, and his partnership with Paquetá in the middle of the pitch is expected to be the engine of the team.

Brazil

Beyond the established names, there are several youngsters in the preliminary squad who could make an impact. Savinho, the Manchester City winger who has been in excellent form on loan at Girona, is expected to make the final 26 and could be a dangerous option off the bench. Estêvão, the 18-year-old Chelsea forward who completed his move from Palmeiras last summer, has also been included, and Ancelotti has hinted that the teenager could feature in the group stage matches if Brazil progress comfortably.

The Tactical Setup

Ancelotti's 4-3-3 is designed to maximise the attacking potential of his squad while providing sufficient defensive structure. The full-backs, Danilo and Wendell, are expected to provide width and crossing from deep positions, with the three central midfielders rotating between ball-winning and creative roles depending on the phase of play. The three forwards are expected to press aggressively from the front, disrupting opposition build-up and creating turnovers in dangerous positions. It is a bold and attractive tactical blueprint, and one that seems well suited to the demands of a tournament on North American soil.

Brazil

This squad has everything we need to win the World Cup. We have quality in every position, we have experience and youth, and we have a hunger to win. Brazil has not won this trophy since 2002, and we are determined to change that. - Carlo Ancelotti

Final Word

The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents Brazil's most credible shot at the trophy since their victory in Japan and South Korea 24 years ago. Under Ancelotti's guidance, the Seleção have rediscovered their attacking identity, their tactical cohesion, and their belief. The next six weeks will determine whether this generation of Brazilian players can deliver the prize that the nation has been waiting for. The footballing world is watching.