Carlo Ancelotti has just the upcoming FIFA Date in March to finalize his roster for the Brazilian National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The team will participate in friendly matches against France (on March 26) and Croatia (on March 31), both in the USA.
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This means players who aren’t guaranteed a spot at the World Cup in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada need to make a strong case to the coach.
Below are several players who may be evaluated before Ancelotti selects those who will don the Brazil jersey in the next World Cup. This list includes individuals who have previously been considered, as well as those seeking their first opportunity.
Do you agree with these selections? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Igor Thiago
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Originally from Cruzeiro, he transferred to Brentford for the 2024/2025 season for 33 million euros after impressing at Brugge and Ludogorets.
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Unfortunately, he suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee during a friendly on July 20 last year, only regaining fitness in November.
However, this season has been a turning point. He secured a starting position and has netted 12 goals, with 11 of them in the Premier League—only Haaland (19) has scored more.
A traditional number 9, he has a commanding presence in the box and is just 24 years old.
Antony
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After a successful loan spell from Manchester United to Real Betis, the Andalusian club secured Antony for 22 million euros.
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Since then, he has contributed significantly, registering eight goals and five assists in 18 matches this season.
While Estêvão has been establishing himself on the National Team’s right flank, Antony is also making a case for a place as he aims for another World Cup appearance.
He has already represented the National Team in 16 matches.
Rayan
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As Vasco’s standout player in the latter half of the season, Rayan was recognized as the revelation of the Brazilian Championship for 2025, playing a pivotal role in leading his team to the Copa do Brasil final.
This young talent, now 19, scored 20 goals in 57 appearances.
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Having attracted interest from Zenit, Vasco has already rejected two proposals for him.
He is versatile, capable of playing as a false 9 or on the right side, which is his preferred position.
Léo Pereira
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Léo Pereira was instrumental in Flamengo’s title-winning campaign, yet he is still awaiting a call-up to the Brazilian National Team—an omission that has frustrated him, especially seeing others like Fabrício Bruno and Léo Ortiz receive nods from Ancelotti.
Currently, Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães are the only center-backs with assured spots for the World Cup.
Matheus Pereira
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Matheus Pereira had another impressive season as the number 10 for Raposa, helping his side qualify for the group stage of the Libertadores 2025.
Having previously made an appearance with the National Team under Dorival Júnior, during which he played for about 17 minutes against Peru in November of last year, he serves as a potent option to complete the attacking quartet.
Arthur
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Currently on loan from Juventus, the 29-year-old midfielder played a key role in Grêmio’s comeback during the Brasileirão’s final stretch.
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Over 13 games, he controlled the pace of the game effectively, proving to be a valuable alternative for the position held by Bruno Guimarães, who is already a confirmed pick for the World Cup.
Arthur has earned 22 caps with the National Team thus far.
Kaiki Bruno
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At just 22 years old, the left-back from Cruzeiro is enjoying a breakout season.
Despite interest from Benfica, the club opted not to negotiate his transfer.
Notably, he ranked second in the Brasileirão for tackles, with a total of 98.
He could be a valuable addition to a position that currently has only Alex Sandro as a “certain” selection for the World Cup.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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