Brazil arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament's most storied and anticipated sides, carrying the weight of a nation that has not lifted the trophy since 2002. Under the stewardship of Carlo Ancelotti — the Italian mastermind who has won the Champions League five times — the Seleção blend a new generation of electrifying attackers with a backbone of seasoned veterans who have already experienced the tournament's highest pressure. The appointment of Ancelotti has galvanised the squad and given Brazil a tactical sophistication that matches their extraordinary individual talent.
The squad is headlined by Vinícius Jr, the Real Madrid forward who has established himself as one of the finest players in world football, and supported by the remarkable return of Neymar, who will contest his fourth World Cup at Santos — a story that has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Around them, Raphinha, Endrick and Gabriel Martinelli offer relentless competition in the attacking positions, while a midfield trio of Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá gives Brazil control, creativity and grit in equal measure.
With the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Brazil open their Group C campaign against Morocco on 13 June 2026 at the iconic New York/New Jersey Stadium. A squad laden with Champions League winners, Premier League stars and homegrown Brasileiro talent, this is Brazil's most exciting World Cup squad in years — and Ancelotti's greatest managerial challenge yet.
Group C: Brazil · Morocco · Haiti · Scotland First match: Brazil vs Morocco — 13 June 2026, New York/New Jersey Stadium
Full Squad
| Player | Position | Club | Previous World Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alisson | Goalkeeper | Liverpool | 2 |
| Ederson | Goalkeeper | Fenerbahçe | 2 |
| Weverton | Goalkeeper | Grêmio | 1 |
| Marquinhos | Defender | Paris Saint-Germain | 2 |
| Gabriel Magalhães | Defender | Arsenal | 1 |
| Bremer | Defender | Juventus | 1 |
| Ibañez | Defender | Al-Ahli | 0 |
| Léo Pereira | Defender | Flamengo | 0 |
| Wesley | Defender | Roma | 0 |
| Danilo | Defender | Flamengo | 2 |
| Alex Sandro | Defender | Flamengo | 2 |
| Douglas Santos | Defender | Zenit St Petersburg | 0 |
| Casemiro | Midfielder | Manchester United | 2 |
| Bruno Guimarães | Midfielder | Newcastle United | 1 |
| Fabinho | Midfielder | Al-Ittihad | 1 |
| Danilo | Midfielder | Botafogo | 0 |
| Lucas Paquetá | Midfielder | Flamengo | 1 |
| Vinícius Jr | Forward | Real Madrid | 1 |
| Raphinha | Forward | Barcelona | 1 |
| Matheus Cunha | Forward | Manchester United | 0 |
| Luiz Henrique | Forward | Zenit St Petersburg | 0 |
| Igor Thiago | Forward | Brentford | 0 |
| Endrick | Forward | Lyon / Real Madrid | 0 |
| Gabriel Martinelli | Forward | Arsenal | 1 |
| Rayan | Forward | Bournemouth | 0 |
| Neymar | Forward | Santos | 3 |
Key Players
Vinícius Jr is the talisman of this Brazil side and arguably the best player at this World Cup. The Real Madrid forward has spent the last three years tormenting defenders in La Liga, winning the Ballon d'Or and delivering on the grandest stages. His pace, directness and ability to conjure moments of brilliance from nothing make him the player every opponent fears most. If Ancelotti can protect him from tactical fouling and keep him fit, Vinícius Jr has the capacity to win Brazil this tournament single-handedly.
Neymar's return is the subplot of Brazil's entire 2026 campaign. After injury disrupted his 2022 World Cup, the Santos forward arrives at a fourth World Cup with a point to prove — and a country willing him on. At his best, Neymar remains a generational talent: a dribbler, a creator and a finisher in one, and in Ancelotti's system he should find space to express himself without the physical burden of carrying an entire squad. This is potentially his final World Cup, and Brazil intend to make it count.
The experienced core of Marquinhos, Alisson, Casemiro and Danilo provides the structural foundation that Brazil's attacking brilliance requires. Marquinhos is one of the most decorated defenders in world football; Alisson remains among the top two goalkeepers on the planet; and Casemiro's ability to screen defences and allow Guimarães and Paquetá to operate higher up the pitch gives this midfield genuine balance. Brazil have the depth and the quality across all positions to go the distance.
FAQ
Who manages Brazil at the 2026 World Cup?
Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian tactician who also coaches Real Madrid, was appointed Brazil head coach. He brings Champions League-winning experience to the Seleção for the 2026 tournament.
Is Neymar in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad?
Yes — Neymar was named in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad by Carlo Ancelotti. It would be Neymar's fourth FIFA World Cup, having appeared at 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Who are Brazil's key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Vinícius Jr, Neymar, Raphinha, Alisson and Marquinhos are the standout names. Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro and Lucas Paquetá provide strength in midfield.
When do Brazil play their first game at the 2026 World Cup?
Brazil open Group C against Morocco on 13 June 2026 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.