Carlo Ancelotti, the first foreign coach to lead Brazil at a World Cup, announced the final 26-player squad on May 18, 2026. Neymar returns after recovering from an ACL tear in October 2023, while veterans like Thiago Silva, Richarlison, and João Pedro were left out. The squad includes nine forwards and five midfielders, signaling an attacking priority.
Brazil are in Group C with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, playing all matches in the eastern United States. Ancelotti favors a 4-3-3 formation with Casemiro as the pivot, Vinícius Júnior on the left, and Raphinha on the right. The team carries a 24-year wait for a sixth World Cup title, with expectations of at least a semifinal appearance.