Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has officially announced the list of 26 players who will represent Brazil at the World Cup, putting an end to all the speculation circulating in recent days across Brazilian and international sports media.
The biggest focus was on the return of Brazilian star Neymar, who, after a long absence due to injuries, has returned to the national team squad and is expected to be one of the key figures of the team in this major tournament, reports Klankosova.tv.
The announcement of the squad by the Italian manager sparked many reactions in Brazil, as many fans and analysts expected major changes in the team selection.
However, Ancelotti decided to combine experience with young talent, including experienced players such as Casemiro, Alisson Becker, and Marquinhos, as well as new names considered the future of Brazilian football.
Brazil will compete in Group C of the World Cup, where they will first face Morocco on June 14, then Haiti on June 20, and finally Scotland on June 25 in the last group-stage match.
Before the tournament begins, Brazil will also play two friendly matches against Panama and Egypt, games that will help the coaching staff test the ideal lineup.
This World Cup will have special importance for Ancelotti, as it will be his first participation as a coach in a FIFA World Cup.
The Italian had previously been part of the competition only as a player, but now aims to make history from the bench as well.
The Brazilian Football Confederation has fully trusted his long-term project by renewing the coach’s contract until 2030.
Brazil’s main objective remains winning their sixth World Cup trophy, a success the fans have been dreaming about for years.
“This squad was prepared after extensive analysis throughout the entire year. There is a lot of competition, a lot of quality, and a lot of passion among Brazilian players. There is no perfect squad list, but we have done our best to minimize mistakes and build a team capable of going far in the World Cup,” declared the Italian coach.
Official Brazil squad for the World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Ederson, and Weverton.
Defenders: Danilo, Wesley França, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Léo Pereira, Bremer, Ibanez, Alex Sandro, and Douglas Santos.
Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Danilo, Fabinho, and Lucas Paquetá.
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, Neymar, Raphinha, Rayan, Igor Thiago, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, and Endrick.
