The Brazilian national team will announce its final 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 18. A preliminary list of 55 players has been submitted to FIFA today.
What is happening
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has sent a 55-player preliminary list to FIFA on Monday. This list includes all players eligible to be selected for the World Cup.
The preliminary squad is expected to feature Neymar, Estêvão, and Thiago Silva, among other names closely monitored by the coaching staff.
Any player not included in this 55-man list will be ineligible for the final 26-man World Cup squad.
The preliminary document will not be disclosed, not even to the players themselves.
The final 26-man roster will be officially announced on May 18, after meetings at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to finalize the names submitted to FIFA.
Why a preliminary list
The 55-man list provides flexibility for changes due to technical decisions and injuries. It allows for potential adjustments, such as in the case of Estêvão, who is recovering from a right thigh injury.
Physical condition remains Ancelotti’s biggest concern with one month until the competition starts. The manager has already lost Éder Militão and Rodrygo to injuries, and he is pessimistic about Estêvão’s availability.
Preparation and friendlies
The selected players will report for duty on May 27 at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro, to begin their World Cup preparations.
Brazil will play a farewell friendly match against Panama at the Maracanã on May 31. The team will depart for the United States after the game.
They will then face Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland, Ohio, before their World Cup opener. Brazil’s first match in the tournament will be against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.