Carlo Ancelotti submitted a 55-player preliminary list for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad to FIFA on May 11, narrowing the pool for the final 26-man roster to be announced on May 18 in Rio de Janeiro. Neymar, Alisson, and Vini Jr. are among the high-profile names included, but only those selected from this list will be eligible for the tournament.
Ancelotti’s 55-Player Pool: The Road to 26
Carlo Ancelotti has completed the formalities for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup preparations, submitting a preliminary list of 55 players to FIFA on May 11—the deadline set by the international governing body. The list, which includes six goalkeepers and 49 outfield players, serves as the foundation for the final squad of 26 that will represent Brazil at the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The final selection will be announced on May 18 at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro, where Ancelotti and his coaching staff will unveil the team that will face off in the opening stages of the competition.
Who’s In: Highlights from the Preliminary List
The 55-player list reflects Ancelotti’s broad approach, balancing experience with youth and domestic talent with overseas stars.
- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Grêmio), Hugo Souza (Corinthians), John (Nottingham Forest), Bento (Al-Nassr)
- Defenders: Marquinhos (PSG), Thiago Silva (Porto), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Vitinho (Botafogo)
- Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo), Matheus Pereira (Cruzeiro), João Gomes (Wolverhampton)
- Forwards: Neymar (Santos), Vini Jr. (Real Madrid), Richarlison (Tottenham), Endrick (Lyon), Pedro (Flamengo), Rayan (Bournemouth)
Notably, Neymar’s inclusion in the preliminary list confirms his status as a candidate for the final squad, though his participation remains uncertain due to ongoing fitness and tactical considerations. Pedro, who has impressed in recent performances, is also in the mix, competing with Igor Thiago and Endrick for a forward spot.
Absences and Tactical Adjustments
Estêvão, a key attacking option, was left off the list due to a persistent injury that has sidelined him for the foreseeable future. His absence opens up opportunities for other forwards, including Rayan, who has been touted as a potential replacement.
The preliminary list is not a guarantee of selection; only those named in the final 26 will be eligible for the World Cup. Ancelotti’s challenge now is to refine this pool into a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level in what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament.
What Comes Next: The Final Selection and Beyond
The announcement of the final 26-player squad on May 18 will mark the culmination of Ancelotti’s preparatory work. The team will then embark on a series of training camps and friendlies designed to fine-tune their performance ahead of the tournament’s opening match.
With the preliminary list now in hand, attention shifts to the tactical and fitness challenges that lie ahead. Ancelotti’s ability to balance experience with fresh talent, and to manage the expectations of a nation eager to reclaim its status as a global football powerhouse, will be critical in the coming weeks.
The road to the 2026 World Cup has officially begun, and Brazil’s footballing future now rests on the shoulders of these 55 players—and the 26 who will emerge from their ranks.
