Vinicius Junior
The main attacking reference and the face of this Brazil side. The Real Madrid winger carries the side's biggest goal threat from the left and is the player opponents will plan around first.
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Team Guide · 2026 World Cup
Brazil at the 2026 World Cup
Brazil arrive at the 2026 World Cup chasing a record-extending sixth title and a first since 2002, now under Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The 26-man squad is built around Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, lit up by the return of Neymar, and defined by the shock omission of Rodrygo. They land in Group C with Morocco, Scotland and Haiti. This is the squad by position, the group, the fixtures and the case for the Selecao in North America.
5
World Cup Titles
26
The Squad
C
Group
2002
Last Title
Squad confirmed. Carlo Ancelotti named Brazil's 26 on 18 May 2026. The headline calls: Neymar is recalled after a long injury layoff, and Rodrygo is the surprise name left out. Marquinhos keeps the captaincy, with Vinicius Junior and Raphinha leading a deep attacking pool. Brazil open against Morocco on 13 June at MetLife Stadium.
The Key Players
The spine of Ancelotti's Brazil
Brazil's 2026 squad blends a Europe-based core with a handful of players who returned home to the Brazilian league. These are the names the tournament will turn on.
Raphinha
A Barcelona standout who has become one of Brazil's most reliable producers of goals and assists. Direct, hard-working and a set-piece threat, he is central to the attack.
Neymar
Brazil's all-time leading scorer is back after a long injury layoff and a move home to Santos. At 34 his role may be more measured, but his recall is the emotional storyline of the squad.
Bruno Guimaraes
The midfield metronome. The Newcastle United man sets Brazil's tempo and screens the defence, and alongside Casemiro he gives Ancelotti the platform to unleash the forwards.
Marquinhos
The captain and defensive leader. The Paris Saint-Germain centre-back marshals a back line that Ancelotti will need to keep tight if Brazil are to go deep.
Alisson
One of the best goalkeepers in the world. The Liverpool number one is Brazil's first choice between the posts, with Ederson providing high-level cover.
The 26
Brazil's squad by position
Here is Brazil's confirmed 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup as named by Carlo Ancelotti: three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders and nine forwards. Marquinhos is captain. Clubs are shown for the well-established names.
Goalkeepers
3 in the squad
- AlissonLiverpool
- EdersonFenerbahçe
- WevertonGrêmio
Defenders
9 in the squad
- MarquinhosCaptain
- Gabriel MagalhãesArsenal
- BremerJuventus
- Roger Ibañez
- Wesley
- Danilo
- Alex Sandro
- Douglas Santos
- Léo Pereira
Midfielders
5 in the squad
- Bruno GuimarãesNewcastle
- CasemiroMan Utd
- Lucas Paquetá
- Danilo
- Fabinho
Forwards
9 in the squad
- Vinicius JuniorReal Madrid
- RaphinhaBarcelona
- NeymarSantos
- Endrick
- Gabriel MartinelliArsenal
- Matheus CunhaMan Utd
- Igor Thiago
- Luiz Henrique
- Rayan
The squad carries two players named Danilo, the experienced defender and a separate central midfielder, a quirk that briefly confused the announcement coverage. Ancelotti's blend leans on Premier League and La Liga experience up front while keeping a Brazilian-league presence in goal and defence.
Left at Home
The notable omissions
With Brazil's attacking depth, a squad of 26 was always going to leave out serious names. These are the ones that generated the most debate.
Rodrygo
The biggest surprise of the squad. After an uneven club season the Real Madrid forward did not make Ancelotti's 26, an eye-catching call given how settled he had looked in recent Brazil squads.
Richarlison
A previous World Cup hero for Brazil, but the Tottenham forward is squeezed out by the depth of options and a stop-start season.
Gabriel Jesus
Injury and form have cost the Arsenal striker his place, with Ancelotti favouring other profiles in the final attacking selection.
Thiago Silva
A veteran of more than 100 caps who returned to Brazil with Fluminense, but at this tournament Ancelotti has gone with a younger central-defensive group.
Group C
The group and the fixtures
Brazil were drawn into Group C with Morocco, Scotland and Haiti. Morocco, semi-finalists in 2022, are the clear danger and the likely rival for top spot; Scotland will be organised and physical, and Haiti are the outsiders. Brazil play all three group games in the eastern United States.
Brazil vs Morocco
Sat 13 Jun 2026
Brazil vs Haiti
Fri 19 Jun 2026
Scotland vs Brazil
Wed 24 Jun 2026
Kickoff times are confirmed closer to the tournament. For the full picture of all 104 games, see the WorldCuply.com match schedule, and read about the seeds in our guide to the 12 Pot 1 nations, where Brazil sit alongside the other top seeds.
The Sixth Star
Can Brazil finally win number six?
Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002, the longest drought in their modern history. The 2026 edition is framed as a reset under a new manager:
- A new voice on the touchline. Carlo Ancelotti arrives with a trophy record matched by few coaches in history. His job is to turn Brazil's individual talent into a balanced, tournament-ready team.
- Vinicius Junior at the centre. This is increasingly Vinicius Junior's team. If he produces his best club form at international level, Brazil have a match-winner the equal of anyone in the draw.
- The Neymar question. His recall adds star power and creativity, but managing his minutes and fitness across a long tournament will be one of Ancelotti's defining calls.
- Depth over the front line. Even without Rodrygo, Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus, the attack runs deep through Raphinha, Martinelli, Matheus Cunha and the rising Endrick.
- The bar is the trophy. For Brazil, anything short of the latter stages is a disappointment. A favourable-looking Group C should give them a platform, but the knockout rounds will tell the real story.
Brazil are among the contenders rather than runaway favourites in 2026, with Spain, France and Argentina all rated around or above them by the markets. The talent is there for a sixth star; the question, as so often, is whether it comes together at the right time.
Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
Who is Brazil's coach for the 2026 World Cup?
Carlo Ancelotti is Brazil's head coach for the 2026 World Cup. The Italian, one of the most decorated club managers in the game, took charge of the Selecao in 2025 and named his 26-man squad on 18 May 2026. It is his first World Cup as Brazil manager.
Is Neymar in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad?
Yes. Neymar is back in the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup after a long absence through injury and a return to club football at Santos. He is Brazil's all-time leading scorer and his recall is one of the headline stories of Ancelotti's selection.
Why was Rodrygo left out of Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad?
Rodrygo is the biggest surprise omission from Brazil's 26. After an uneven season at club level he did not make Ancelotti's final list, with the manager preferring other options in a crowded attacking pool that still includes Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Neymar, Gabriel Martinelli and Endrick.
What group are Brazil in at the 2026 World Cup?
Brazil are in Group C at the 2026 World Cup, alongside Morocco, Scotland and Haiti. Morocco, semi-finalists in 2022, are seen as the main threat to Brazil at the top of the group.
What are Brazil's group fixtures at the 2026 World Cup?
Brazil play Morocco on 13 June 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, then Haiti on 19 June at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and finally Scotland on 24 June at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Who is Brazil's captain for the 2026 World Cup?
Marquinhos, the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back, is Brazil's captain for the 2026 World Cup. Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and the recalled Neymar form the senior leadership group alongside him.
How many World Cups have Brazil won?
Brazil have won the World Cup five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002), more than any other nation. They have not won it since 2002, and a sixth title in 2026 would extend their record further.
Who are Brazil's key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid is Brazil's main attacking reference, supported by Raphinha of Barcelona and the returning Neymar. The midfield is anchored by Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro, and Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes lead the defence in front of goalkeeper Alisson.
When was Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad announced?
Carlo Ancelotti announced Brazil's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on 18 May 2026, with the return of Neymar and the omission of Rodrygo the two biggest talking points.
Keep Reading
More 2026 World Cup coverage
Brazil are one of 48 nations heading to the 2026 World Cup. Explore the rest of the WorldCuply.com guide:
Argentina
The defending champions and Messi's title defence in Group J: South America's other heavyweight.
Read the Argentina guide ›France
The world's top-ranked team, Mbappe's France and Deschamps' last tournament in Group I.
Read the France guide ›Superstars to Watch
The top 12 players going to the 2026 World Cup, including Brazil's Vinicius Junior.
View the top 12 ›Match Schedule
All 104 fixtures across 16 host cities, with kickoff times you can filter to your team.
Open the schedule ›Sources
Where this page comes from
This guide was hand-written from the following reporting and reference pages, used to confirm Brazil's squad, group and fixtures:
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