Brazil at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Brazil is the most successful nation in FIFA World Cup history, having won the tournament five times: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. They are the only team to have participated in every edition of the World Cup. Their 1970 squad, featuring Pele, Jairzinho, and Tostao, is widely regarded as one of the greatest international sides ever assembled. In addition to their five titles, Brazil finished as runners-up in 1950 and 1998. The 2026 edition marks their 23rd World Cup appearance.

Qualification

Brazil qualified via the CONMEBOL South American qualifying campaign, which consisted of 18 matches between all ten South American nations in a home-and-away round-robin format. Under Carlo Ancelotti, who took charge in May 2025 replacing the dismissed Dorival Junior, Brazil secured qualification with a 1-0 win over Paraguay. They finished 5th in the final standings with 28 points from 18 matches. The campaign was regarded as one of Brazil's most turbulent qualifying cycles in recent memory, with Ancelotti's first competitive match ending in a 0-0 draw with Ecuador.

Preparation

The 26-man squad was officially announced on 18 May 2026, with Ancelotti controversially including Neymar after a 2.5-year international absence; the forward then suffered a grade 2 calf strain and missed both warm-up friendlies. Brazil opened their warm-ups with a 6-2 win over Panama on 31 May and beat Egypt 2-1 on 6 June in Cleveland, but right-back Wesley limped off with an adductor muscle injury and was replaced by Atalanta midfielder Ederson. Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their World Cup opener on 13 June at MetLife Stadium (Saibari 21', Vinicius 32'; Alisson double save in stoppage time) with Neymar absent. On 16 June Neymar resumed light running; on 18 June he briefly trained in uniform with teammates. On 19 June Brazil dominated Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia - Matheus Cunha (23', 36') and Vinicius Junior (45'+3') with all goals in the first half - to move top of Group C with 4 points; Neymar again absent, while Raphinha was forced off in the 40th minute with a hamstring tear (posterior right thigh), replaced by Rayan. On 20 June the CBF confirmed Raphinha's hamstring injury and announced an intensive treatment protocol; he will miss at least two weeks, targeting the Round of 16 on 5 July. Also on 20 June Ancelotti confirmed Neymar is fit and available for the final group game against Scotland on 24 June in Miami. On 22 June Neymar completed his first full training session with the squad. On 24 June Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens: Vinicius Junior scored twice (7', 45'+3') and Matheus Cunha added a third (60'); Neymar came on as substitute at 76' for his first international appearance since October 2023, to a standing ovation. Brazil finished top of Group C with 7 points - making it 12 consecutive World Cup tournaments topping their group. On 25 June Neymar said: 'I feel good physically, thanks to God. I've been training hard for 25 days to be in good shape for these matches.' Vinicius Jr. became the first Brazilian in 24 years to score in all three group-stage matches at a World Cup. On 26 June Eder Militao praised Ancelotti's midfield correction after Morocco: 'He managed to correct it, from Haiti onwards', while warning about Japan: 'We have to be very careful, they never stop running.' Ancelotti said on 27 June: 'Now we look solid, and in the knockout phase, being solid is very important.' The team travelled from New Jersey to Houston on 27-28 June, received by hundreds of fans. Raphinha remains out, targeting the Round of 16 on 5 July at the earliest. Brazil face Group F runners-up Japan in the Round of 32 at NRG Stadium, Houston, on 29 June (1pm ET). Brazil beat Japan 2-1 in Houston on 29 June, coming from behind after Kaishu Sano's early opener: Casemiro headed the equaliser (56') and substitute Gabriel Martinelli struck a stoppage-time winner (90'+5') after being set up by Bruno Guimaraes. Brazil then lost 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium on 5 July, eliminated from the tournament: Bruno Guimaraes had an early penalty saved by Orjan Nyland (14'), before Erling Haaland scored twice late on (79', 90') off Andreas Schjelderup assists; Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty (90'+10') as a consolation. Following the exit, Ancelotti said on 5 July: 'We have to think about the future, but it is very evident that in the midfield, I think that we have to move some players. We need some young talent, we need some high-level players coming into Brazilian football,' adding, 'A defeat is the beginning of a new adventure. We have to keep improving, to find new ideas. It is not an end, it is the start of a new cycle.' The CBF confirmed Ancelotti, who had signed a four-year contract extension in May 2026, will remain in charge through to the 2030 World Cup, beginning a rebuilding cycle ahead of the 2028 Copa America.

Latest news

Ancelotti vows 'new cycle' after Brazil's Round of 16 elimination; CBF confirms he stays

· general

After the 2-1 loss to Norway, Ancelotti said: 'We have to think about the future... it is very evident that in the midfield we have to move some players. We need some young talent.' He added: 'A defeat is the beginning of a new adventure... It is not an end, it is the start of a new cycle.' The CBF confirmed Ancelotti, who signed a four-year extension in May 2026, stays through to 2030.

Brazil eliminated from World Cup as Haaland double sinks them 2-1 in Round of 16

· matches

Norway beat Brazil 2-1 at MetLife Stadium in the Round of 16. Bruno Guimaraes had an early penalty saved by Orjan Nyland (14'); Erling Haaland scored twice late (79', 90') off Andreas Schjelderup assists, sending Norway to their first World Cup quarterfinal in 28 years. Neymar converted a stoppage-time penalty (90'+10') as consolation. Raphinha, short of fitness, was fit for a possible cameo.

Brazil edge Japan 2-1 in Round of 32 thanks to stoppage-time Martinelli winner

· matches

Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston. Kaishu Sano gave Japan a shock lead (29') after exploiting a loose pass from Danilo. Casemiro headed Brazil level (56'), and substitute Gabriel Martinelli, played in by Bruno Guimaraes, curled in a stoppage-time winner (90'+5') to send Brazil through to the Round of 16 against Norway on 5 July.

Brazil arrive in Houston to warm fan reception ahead of Round of 32 vs Japan

· general

Brazil reached Houston June 28, met by fans for autographs and selfies in 34°C heat. CBF posted: 'In every place we pass through, we receive the affection of our nation. Houston has already made the National Team feel at home.' They face Japan, Round of 32, NRG Stadium, June 29, 1pm ET. Vinicius Jr. is the first Brazilian in 24 years to score in all 3 group-stage games (Ronaldo, Rivaldo, 2002).

Ancelotti: 'Now we look solid' as Brazil reach peak form entering knockout stage

· general

Ancelotti, ahead of the Japan match: 'I'm happy because the team has got a lot better. Now we look solid, and in the knockout phase, being solid is very important.' He credited a more balanced 4-3-3 after early frailties against Morocco, calling the group stage preparation for the serious phase. Brazil face Japan on June 29 in Houston; Japan beat Brazil 3-2 in an October 2025 friendly.

Militao: Ancelotti corrected Brazil midfield gap from Haiti onwards; warns of Japan danger

· general

Eder Militao on the fix after the Morocco draw: 'He tried it with just Bruno and Casemiro, and it left a gap... he managed to correct it, from Haiti onwards.' Japan: 'I think Japan is going through its best year... We have to be very careful, they never stop running.' Ancelotti: 'He's a very wise guy, he can see things clearly, he listens a lot to the players and shares ideas. That's fundamental.'

Neymar: 'I feel good physically' after substitute return vs Scotland

· injuries

After a 76th-minute appearance in the 3-0 Scotland win - his first international since October 2023 - Neymar said: 'I feel good physically, thanks to God. It was hard to be away from the pitch for this long, but I wasn't completely inactive. I've been training hard for 25 days to be in good shape for these matches. So I'm very happy, very satisfied.' A 20-minute cameo, encouraging for knockouts.

Raphinha vows to return; targets Round of 16 on 5 July after hamstring tear

· injuries

Raphinha posted on social media that he will 'do everything within my power to recover and return as soon as possible', targeting 5 July (Round of 16). He will miss Scotland and the Round of 32. This is his fourth hamstring problem in a year. The CBF has not ruled him out; he remains with the squad under intensive individual physiotherapy.

Brazil rout Scotland 3-0 to top Group C; Neymar makes tournament debut as substitute

· matches

Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, to finish top of Group C with 7 points. Vinicius Junior scored twice (7', 45'+3') and Matheus Cunha added the third (60'). Neymar came off the bench in the 76th minute for his first international appearance since October 2023. Brazil advance to the Round of 32 on 29 June in Houston against the Group F runner-up.

Neymar completes first full training session; available for Scotland group finale

· injuries

On June 22 Neymar completed his first full training session with Brazil after missing the first two group games. Ancelotti confirmed on June 20 he would be available for the Scotland finale on June 24. Paqueta: 'all delighted to have him back.' Raphinha remains out: CBF confirmed a hamstring injury (posterior right thigh) on June 20; intensive treatment, out for Scotland, uncertain return.

CBF confirms Raphinha hamstring injury; intensive treatment, out for Scotland

· injuries

CBF confirmed on June 20 that Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury (posterior right thigh) after being substituted in the 40th minute of the 3-0 win over Haiti. He remains with the squad in the US under intensive treatment; the CBF aims for return 'as quickly as possible.' No specific date given; reports suggest a possible return for the quarter-finals. Out for Scotland (June 24).

Ancelotti confirms Neymar available for Scotland; Raphinha awaits injury test results

· injuries

After Brazil's 3-0 win over Haiti, Ancelotti confirmed Neymar is fit and will be available for the final group game against Scotland on June 24, saying 'He's fine; he'll train alone for a day and then return to the squad.' On the other hand, Raphinha - who was forced off before half-time against Haiti - is awaiting test results to determine the exact diagnosis of his injury.

Brazil rout Haiti 3-0 to top Group C; Raphinha forced off injured before half-time

· matches

Brazil dominated Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia to move top of World Cup Group C with 4 points. Matheus Cunha scored twice (23', 36') after Vinicius Junior's effort was parried, and Vinicius added the third in stoppage time (45'+3'). All goals came in a commanding first half. Raphinha was substituted before half-time with an apparent injury, replaced by Rayan. Neymar was again absent.

Neymar briefly joins Brazil teammates in training but is confirmed out vs Haiti

· injuries

On June 18 Neymar trained in uniform with his Brazil teammates for the first time during the World Cup at the session in Morristown, New Jersey, joking with media 'Did you miss me?' before returning to individual sideline work. He will not travel to Philadelphia for the Group C match against Haiti on June 19. Brazil's medical staff are focusing on getting him fully fit for the knockout stages.

Neymar resumes light running at Brazil's World Cup base for first time

· injuries

Neymar returned to the training field on June 16 for the first time since joining Brazil's World Cup squad, performing running drills and physical conditioning at the team's base in New Jersey. He was not at full speed and was not expected to feature against Haiti on June 19. Brazil's coaching staff had assessed his calf on Monday 15 June before allowing him to resume running.

Brazil draw 1-1 with Morocco in World Cup opener; Alisson double save seals point

· matches

Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their Group C opener at MetLife Stadium. Ismael Saibari chipped Alisson in the 21st minute; Vinicius Junior equalised in the 32nd. Morocco had 12 first-half attempts. In stoppage time, Alisson's crucial double save - denying El Aynaoui then blocking the rebound - preserved the point. Neymar was absent.

Neymar confirmed out of Morocco opener; Haiti (June 20) remains return target

· injuries

Neymar will not feature in Brazil's World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium. He has yet to rejoin full squad training and continues individual rehabilitation. Brazil hope he will be available for the second group game against Haiti on June 20 in Philadelphia, with the final group game against Scotland on June 24 as a further fallback.

Brazil focus final pre-Morocco session on set pieces; 4-4-2 formation expected

· general

Brazil held their penultimate session on June 11 in New Jersey with Ancelotti focusing on set-piece quality ahead of the Morocco opener. Globo reported the coach aims to exploit set pieces 'relying on factors of experience and skill'. The expected starting formation is a 4-4-2 with Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Casemiro, Paqueta, Vinicius Junior and Raphinha among the starters.

Brazil squad marks Ancelotti's 67th birthday during New Jersey training

· general

Brazil's players celebrated coach Carlo Ancelotti's 67th birthday (born 10 June 1959) during training in New Jersey. The squad formed a line and playfully patted the manager as he jogged through, providing a brief personal moment amid preparations for the Morocco opener on June 13.

Neymar MRI shows 'good progress', but opener still looks too soon

· injuries

Neymar underwent an MRI on Monday 9 June. The CBF said the exam 'showed good progress in his treatment, within expected parameters' and that he will continue his planned recovery and physical preparation. Despite the encouraging result, the group opener against Morocco on 13 June is expected to come too soon; the second group game against Haiti on 20 June is viewed as his realistic return target.

Wesley ruled out of the World Cup; Ederson of Atalanta called up

· squad

The CBF confirmed on Sunday 7 June that right-back Wesley is out of the 2026 World Cup after an MRI revealed an adductor muscle injury in his left thigh, sustained in the Egypt friendly on 6 June. Atalanta midfielder Ederson (Ederson Jose dos Santos Lourenco da Silva, born 1999) was called up as his replacement, due to join the squad in the United States on Monday 9 June.

Brazil edge Egypt 2-1 in final World Cup warm-up in Cleveland

· matches

Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in their last pre-tournament friendly at Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland. Bruno Guimaraes scored in the 7th minute, Egypt's Mostafa Ziko levelled in the 11th, and Endrick restored the lead in the 52nd, finishing Raphinha's cutback after replacing Igor Thiago at half-time (Salah came on for Egypt at the break). Neymar was again absent and Wesley went off injured early.

Wesley forced off injured against Egypt days before the World Cup opener

· injuries

Roma right-back Wesley, in line to start at the World Cup, was substituted inside the opening 20 minutes of the Egypt friendly with a muscle injury and replaced by Danilo, leaving the bench in tears. Ancelotti said it was 'a shame to lose Wesley', that Brazil are awaiting test results and that 'we have good players to replace him'. His availability for the Morocco opener on 13 June is in doubt.

Neymar to undergo MRI on Monday as Brazil weigh his opener chances

· injuries

Ancelotti said Neymar, who has been training individually since his calf injury and missed the Egypt friendly, is scheduled for an MRI scan on Monday 9 June, with the results to determine his next steps. If positive, he could rejoin group training next week, keeping alive a slim chance of facing Morocco on 13 June. Ancelotti said the forward 'is doing a great job individually'.

Ancelotti runs double training day in New Jersey ahead of Egypt friendly

· matches

On day two of Brazil's US camp, Ancelotti held two sessions: a conditioning block at the team's accommodation (The Ridge, Basking Ridge) and a technical/tactical session he oversaw personally at the Columbia Park Training Center in Morristown, NJ. It is the final prep before the last warm-up against Egypt on Saturday 6 June (7pm Brasilia time) in Cleveland, before the Morocco opener on 13 June.

Brazil rout Panama 6-2 in Maracana World Cup warm-up

· matches

Brazil beat Panama 6-2 in a pre-tournament friendly at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring inside the opening minutes and Casemiro added a first-half goal, before Rayan, Lucas Paqueta, Igor Thiago (penalty) and Danilo struck after the break. Ancelotti rotated heavily at the interval. Neymar did not feature, sidelined by his calf injury.

Ancelotti: Neymar has grade 2 calf strain, out 2-3 weeks but stays in the 26

· injuries

Ancelotti confirmed Neymar arrived at camp with a grade 2 right-calf strain, more serious than the oedema Santos described, expected to keep him out two to three weeks. He stays in the 26-man squad but will miss the Panama and Egypt friendlies, recovering behind closed doors. Ancelotti hopes Neymar can be fit for the Morocco opener on 13 June and, if not, for the second group game against Haiti.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Alisson BeckerGKLiverpool
EdersonGKFenerbahce
WevertonGKGremio
MarquinhosDFParis Saint-Germain
Gabriel MagalhaesDFArsenal
BremerDFJuventus
Alex SandroDFFlamengo
DaniloDFFlamengo
Douglas SantosDFZenit Saint Petersburg
Leo PereiraDFFlamengo
Roger IbanezDFAl-Ahli
Ederson (Atalanta)MFAtalanta
CasemiroMFManchester United
Bruno GuimaraesMFNewcastle United
Lucas PaquetaMFFlamengo
FabinhoMFAl-Ittihad
Danilo SantosMFBotafogo
Vinicius JuniorFWReal Madrid
RaphinhaFWBarcelona
NeymarFWSantos
Matheus CunhaFWManchester United
Gabriel MartinelliFWArsenal
EndrickFWLyon
Igor ThiagoFWBrentford
Luiz HenriqueFWZenit Saint Petersburg
RayanFWBournemouth

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