Top five players left out of Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad ft. Rodrygo & Militao

Carlo Ancelotti is set to announce the 25-man final squad on May 18.

The Brazil men’s national football team are yet to confirm the list of players that will represent them in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. There is a 55-man preliminary squad as of now. It will be interesting to see which players make it to the final team.

Despite having some top-class players by their side, the Seleção have not been the most consistent team. They, however, have lifted FIFA’s flagship trophy the most number of times (5).

Carlo Ancelotti will be looking to come up with a top-of-the-line strategy as there will be no place for even the slightest of errors on the biggest stage of them all.

FIFA World Cup 2026 is all set to take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico. A total of 48 teams will be battling for the mega prize. For the Brazil national football team to come out on top, they must put up some exceptional performances.

In the article, we take a look at a few good players who did not make the squad.

Also Read: Brazil name preliminary squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Neymar

Top players missing Brazil’s prelim squad

5. Hercules

The 25-year-old put in some eye-catching performances for Fluminense during the recent edition of the FIFA Club World Cup. Since then, he has been a constant player in the squad for his club. But with immense competition for places in the team, Hercules has not been named in the preliminary squad list.

4. Gabriel Jesus

Since being back on the field after a serious injury, the Arsenal forward has not been able to come up with top performances for his club. Even though Brazil need a strong number 9, there is immense competition for the place. With the likes of in-form players like Joao Pedro, Igor Thiago and Igor Jesus in the race, Gabriel Jesus could not get a chance.

3. Savinho

The Manchester City winger has also not been included in the preliminary squad. The competition for places is a thing here, but consistent injuries can also be one of the things. Due to this, Ancelotti may not have preferred him even as a possible option to be in the final squad to represent Brazil in the upcoming edition of the mega competition.

2. Eder Militao

Recently, Eder Militao has undergone a successful surgery after a serious hamstring tear in his left leg. After his surgery in April 2026, he has been ruled out for at least five months. This will also keep them out of the upcoming edition of the FIFA World Cup.

His absence is surely going to affect the back line of Brazil.

1. Rodrygo

Just like his fellow Real Madrid teammate Eder Militao, Rodrygo is also recovering from an injury. He had a successful surgery for his ACL injury in March and is expected to be back in action during November or December 2026. His absence has opened the doors for Endrick, who is currently performing well at Lyon.

This could also increase the chances for Neymar to be included in the final 25-man squad.

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