Brazil World Cup squad: Predicted lineup for 2026

Having won more World Cups than any other nation, Brazil are always one of the favourites and they are once again being hotly tipped to win World Cup 2026.

The Selecao have announced the players that will represent the famous yellow jerseys, in the chase for a sixth trophy – which has eluded them since their most recent triumph in 2002. They hope the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as manager – winner of five Champions League titles – will inspire the current crop.

The veteran Italian has plenty to think about with regards to his team selection. Ancelotti has decided on an attacking 4-4-2 formation which often looks more like a 4-2-4 in possession.

Brazil’s front four will cause problems for any opposition backline this summer, but it is vital that the team strikes the right balance between attack and defence. The midfield duo of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães will have to cover plenty of ground.

There are still one or two question marks over who will be in the Brazil line-up when they begin their campaign against Morocco. That fixture represents a potential banana skin for the South American giants, so it is vital that Ancelotti chooses the right 11 on the very first matchday.

Carlo Ancelotti enters international stage

It has been a turbulent time for Brazil since World Cup 2018. Fernando Diniz struggled to transfer his approach from Fluminense to international football, while Dorival Junior was unable to make the step up.

Eventually Brazil persuaded Carlo Ancelotti to take the reins having spent years attempting to appoint him.

Ancelotti has won five Champions Leagues, so this is a coach who knows how to negotiate knockout tournaments. The experienced Italian is also renowned for his man-management.

Prediction for Head Coach

Ancelotti’s track record speaks for itself, but Brazilian fans will not care about his past achievements if he fails to deliver this summer.

However, the Selecao are a stronger proposition with Ancelotti in the dugout compared to Diniz or Dorival.

The star player: Vinicius Junior

Neymar is pushing for a place in the Brazil squad, but even if he does travel to North America, the Selecao’s all-time record goalscorer will not be in the starting 11. Vinicius Junior is their go-to pick on the left wing these days, and Ancelotti showed at Real Madrid that he knows how to get the best out of the former Flamengo man.

Vinicius’ record for Brazil is distinctly mediocre, though: just eight goals in 47 appearances. Now is the time for the 25-year-old to come alive for his country.

Prediction for Star Player

Vinicius is under pressure to deliver for Brazil, whose supporters have long wanted to see the Real Madrid version of the forward. Vinicius has played well for much of 2026, so he arrives at the World Cup in a confident mood. That could make a difference.

Brazil 2026 World Cup confirmed 26-man squad

Brazil starting 11 vs Morocco predictions

With those 26 players having been named, here is how we believe Brazil may line up against Morocco in their opening game:

How to bet on the Brazil World Cup squad

There are specific betting markets relevant to the Brazil starting XI for World Cup 2026.

One of the most popular is the anytime goalscorer market. Brazil’s four-pronged attack means opponents will have to deal with multiple threats at once, but the in-form Igor Thiago – out of nowhere – could become their likeliest Golden Boot contender.

Another market to focus on is cards. Casemiro is a tenacious performer who is not as mobile as he was at his peak, so he will no doubt find himself in the referee’s notebook at least once. The Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhães is another good option here.

FAQ about the 2026 Brazil World Cup squad

1. How many times have Brazil won the World Cup?

Brazil have lifted the World Cup trophy five times, making them the most successful national team in the history of the competition. They got their hands on the prize for the first time in 1958, then retained it four years later.

Brazil also went all the way in 1970, 1994 and 2002, but they have not advanced beyond the quarter-finals on foreign soil since then.

2. Which players are injured and missing from the starting 11?

Chelsea youngster Estêvão was hoping to make his World Cup debut this summer, but he has been ruled out of the tournament with a torn hamstring.

In defence, Éder Militão will also be absent after he suffered the same injury. His Real Madrid team-mate Rodrygo is sidelined for the rest of the year with a torn ACL and meniscus.

3. Are there any changes to Brazil’s usual starting 11?

The Brazil starting 11 has undergone substantial changes since their last major tournament outing, the 2024 Copa America.

In the quarter-final against Uruguay, João Gomes, Guilherme Arana, Lucas Paquetá and Endrick all featured from the first whistle, but none of those players are likely to start in North America. Douglas Luiz, Savinho and Wendell have also fallen down the pecking order.

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About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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