The Seleção bench analyzes Ancelotti’s likely World Cup roster.
Carlo Ancelotti has had ten matches to gather observations. It’s a short window, but enough to form convictions, rule out possibilities, and finalize the 26-man Brazil squad for the World Cup—set to be announced in a week, on the 18th.
The Italian’s arrival lifted Brazil’s hopes for the tournament. He has made solid decisions, like bringing Casemiro back into the fold, but injuries—those of Rodrygo, Estêvão, and Militão—have disrupted his plans. Without them, new opportunities emerge.
With one week to go until the final call-up, we’re playing coach and crafting our own squads.
My list is below—and I believe it will mirror Ancelotti’s. What about yours? Drop your picks in the comments!
**Goalkeepers**
– Alisson (Liverpool)
– Ederson (Fenerbahçe)
– Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Alisson has had a rocky cycle, plagued by injuries, but he remains our top goalkeeper. Ederson, though not at his peak, is the natural backup. The third choice will likely be Bento (Al-Nassr), who has been in every Ancelotti call-up, but I prefer Hugo Souza—especially for his penalty-saving ability, an attribute Bento also possesses, to be fair.
**Full-backs**
– Alex Sandro (Flamengo)
– Danilo (Flamengo)
– Douglas Santos (Zenit)
– Wesley (Roma)
Full-back positions are a headache. Éder Militão would be my starter on the right, but with his injury, I agree Wesley deserves the spot. Danilo has already been confirmed by Ancelotti—a wise move given his versatility across the defensive line, leadership, and experience. On the left, Douglas Santos, who started in friendlies against France and Croatia, appears to be back from injury. He’s my first-choice, with Alex Sandro as backup due to a lack of more consistent options.
**Center-backs**
– Bremer (Juventus)
– Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
– Léo Pereira (Flamengo)
– Marquinhos (PSG)
The starting center-back duo is clear: Marquinhos’ flair paired with Gabriel Magalhães’ efficiency—both Champions League final rivals. For direct backups, Bremer, impressive in Italy, and Léo Pereira, occasionally inconsistent but offering defensive solidity, good ball distribution, and aerial presence in attack, are the strongest choices.
**Midfielders**
– Andrey Santos (Chelsea)
– Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle)
– Casemiro (Manchester United)
– Danilo (Botafogo)
– Fabinho (Al-Ittihad)
– Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)
Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães are starters, forming a strong partnership. I agree with having Fabinho as Casemiro’s understudy and Andrey Santos as an alternative for Bruno Guimarães. Danilo has arguably been the best performer in Brazilian football this first half of the year and made the most of his last call-up—he deserves a spot.
I advocate for Lucas Paquetá as a tactical substitute, allowing the team to drop a forward and add midfield mass when needed. Without a classic number 10 on the horizon for Brazil, he is the closest option.