When announcing the list of players for the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup at a grand event in Rio de Janeiro that was broadcast live on Monday (May 18), Carlo Ancelotti's voice did not waver in the slightest.
Yet, as coach of the Brazilian national team, a five-time World Cup-winning squad, Ancelotti carries a heavy burden. He is required to select the best players to bring the most prestigious trophy in world football back to Brazil.
He read out 26 names: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Ederson Moraes (Fenerbahçe), and Weverton (Gremio) in goal.
The defense line is guarded by Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magelhaes (Arsenal), Danilo (Flamengo), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg), Roger Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo) and Wesley Franca (AS Roma).
Then the midfield sector belongs to Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo), Bruno Guimares (Newcastle United), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Danilo dos Santos (Botafogo).
Then, as the opponent's defenders, Ancelotti appointed Neymar Jr , Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Raphinha , Gabriel Martineli (Arsenal), Endrick (Real Madrid), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luis Henrique, Matheus Cunha and Rayan .
Ancelotti, an experienced coach with over 30 titles under his belt while coaching major teams such as AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, is confident in his choice. He is also prepared to take the risks.
"My focus is on the collective, not the individual," he said.
