The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) sent FIFA the preliminary list of players called up for the 2026 World Cup last Monday. Carlo Ancelotti and his technical staff selected 55 players, including six goalkeepers and 49 outfield players.
From this group, the final 26 athletes who will compete for Brazil’s sixth world title will be chosen. The official squad announcement is scheduled for next Monday at 5 PM, during an event at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro.
According to World Cup regulations, the preliminary list can still be modified, but only “in exceptional circumstances and until the final squad is submitted.” FIFA does not specify these exceptions, but they generally include serious injuries or other reasons that would prevent a player from being available. If no such situation occurs, the 26 players announced on Monday must all come from the preliminary list.
Carlo Ancelotti prepares the final squad — Photo: Thiago Ribeiro/AGIF
If a player included in the final squad gets injured up to 24 hours before Brazil’s World Cup debut, he can be replaced by another player, provided FIFA’s medical committee confirms the injury is serious. However, this replacement must also be on the preliminary list.
FIFA makes an exception for goalkeepers, who can be replaced due to injury at any point during the tournament.
The players selected by Ancelotti will begin reporting on the 27th of this month at Granja Comary in Teresópolis. Brazil will play two friendlies before the World Cup: against Panama on the 31st at the Maracanã, and against Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland, United States.
Brazil’s national team schedule leading up to the World Cup — Photo: Infoesporte