The countdown is officially on! In just a few days, we'll know which 26 players will don the iconic yellow jersey and chase Brazil's sixth World Cup title in 2026. Carlo Ancelotti is set to announce the final squad next Monday (18), and if recent form and injuries are anything to go by, there could be a few surprises that shake up the lineup.
Let's start between the posts. Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento has never been the undisputed fan favorite, and a recent dip in form—including a costly mistake that delayed Cristiano Ronaldo's club from clinching the Saudi league title—has put his spot in jeopardy. That opens the door for potential surprises in the third goalkeeper slot. Corinthians' Hugo Souza and Nottingham Forest's John are both in the running, adding some intrigue to the selection. However, Brazil's legendary goalkeeping coach Taffarel, a four-time world champion, isn't too worried. "If a mistake weighed that much, I don't think I ever would have gone to a World Cup," he said in an interview with ESPN. "Bento has been having a good season with consistency, and we're keeping track of him."
In defense, Éder Militão's injury has forced the coaching staff to look for alternatives. While he wasn't initially called up by Ancelotti, veteran Thiago Silva has emerged as a strong possibility. Fresh off winning the Liga Portugal title with FC Porto, his experience and high-level play could be invaluable. Another name to watch is Alexsandro Ribeiro, a center-back who has already been called up by Ancelotti and is highly rated behind the scenes.
Further up the pitch, Danilo has earned plenty of points with the coaching staff late in the World Cup cycle, so his inclusion wouldn't be a shock. But the real wildcard? Lucas Paquetá. Despite a turbulent cycle and modest numbers in the 25/26 season, his versatile profile is exactly what the coaching staff values. Could he sneak into that final 26? It's a storyline worth following as Monday approaches.
Whether you're rooting for a familiar face or a fresh breakout, one thing's for sure—this squad announcement is shaping up to be a memorable one. Stay tuned, and get ready to gear up for Brazil's World Cup journey!