Brazil's predicted starting XI for 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Selecao will be hoping to claim their sixth World Cup.

When it comes to international football, Brazil is perhaps the first team that comes to mind.

The South Americans are the only team to have participated in every FIFA World Cup competition. They are the only nation to have won the title five times.

The present team is full of amazing players, even though it may not be the most formidable in the nation’s storied past. In North America, Brazil will always be regarded as one of the favourites to win a World Cup.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti will surely have a big headache selecting the squad for the competition. With this, we predict Brazil’s starting lineup for the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil Starting XI and Squad Projection for the 2026 World Cup

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

Alisson’s decline is becoming more noticeable; during Liverpool‘s miserable Premier League championship defence, the once-dominant goalkeeper’s typical passing range, footwork, and decision-making all failed him.

But aside from injuries, which are regrettably common for the 33-year-old, it’s hard to imagine anyone could replace him in the next six months or so. He remains Brazil’s best option in goal, though.

Right-Back: Vanderson

The days of Brazil depending on right-backs like Dani Alves, Cafu, and Djalma Santos are long gone. So far in his term, Ancelotti has had to make changes and cuts at the position.

Vanderson was selected in the Italian’s first two games as manager, but injuries kept the 24-year-old quiet for the next international camps.

While Vanderson is recovering to full fitness, other possibilities like Wesley, Vitinho, and Paulo Henrique aren’t doing much to persuade.

Centre-Back: Gabriel Magalhães

At Arsenal, Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba create a tenacious defensive tandem that may be the best centre-back duo on the planet right now.

The 28-year-old will play a significant role for Brazil both on and off the field. He has progressively progressed throughout his six years in north London to achieve world-class status.

Centre-Back: Marquinhos

Since making his international debut in 2013, Marquinhos has played for Brazil 103 times, making him the player with the most caps in this starting lineup.

He didn’t play a major role in his first World Cup squad participation in 2018. But in 2022, he started every game but one in Qatar.

Left-Back: Caio Henrique

Caio Henrique is currently only a nose ahead of Carlos Augusto and Alex Sandro at left-back, but the choices on either side of the defensive quartet are possibly the most difficult to make.

Several legendary figures have held the post, including Roberto Carlos for nearly 14 years, until Marcelo took over and excelled in two World Cup competitions.

Ancelotti has tried out a revolving cast of individuals, and the names at his disposal aren’t quite as distinguished.

Central Midfielder: Casemiro

Now that he is back in more secure territory, Casemiro will most likely play in midfield for what will probably be his final World Cup appearance.

He is currently having a successful season, though, having started 22 of United’s 25 Premier League games, scoring five goals and dishing out two assists while appearing more like the player the team acquired from Real Madrid in 2022.

The national team has always employed a midfield enforcer to disrupt assaults and free up attacking talent to perform their best work. So this is fantastic news for Brazil.

Central Midfielder: Bruno Guimarães

Bruno Guimarães, a midfielder for Newcastle United, ought to be at a more prestigious club by now. But the Magpies will always be appreciative that the 28-year-old has stayed.

Since 2023, Guimarães has been a consistent starter for the Seleção, additionally appearing in the starting lineup for each match under Ancelotti’s leadership. If that didn’t carry over into the World Cup, that would be breathtaking.

Right-Winger: Rodrygo

For Rodrygo, the season has been difficult. He appeared to be out of Real Madrid’s plans under Xabi Alonso at the beginning of the 2025–26 season and was on the verge of departing the Santiago Bernabeu.

Even though this season won’t be his most memorable at the club level, he still plays a significant role in the national team lineup, providing Seleção Canarinho with a formidable wing combination alongside clubmate Vinícius.

Attacking Midfielder: Raphinha

With 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 games during 2024–25, Raphinha had a season to remember at FC Barcelona.

He has only contributed 13 goals and five assists in 22 games this season, but he is still a fantastic talent on a Barcelona team that are looking to win LaLiga for the second time in a row.

Brazil will have a serious attacking threat if he sits behind the striker and has the freedom to alter roles with Vinicius and Rodrygo on the wings or even go into the No. 9 spot.

Left-Winger: Vinícius Júnior

Vinícius Júnior will be the game-changer for both his side and the competition as a whole at the 2026 event, carrying on a long tradition of Brazilian football greats.

With 45 caps for Brazil, the 25-year-old has eight goals and seven assists to his name. However, his influence extends beyond merely tallying statistics; each time he steps onto the field, he poses a serious threat.

Forward: Matheus Cunha

With just 19 appearances for Brazil, Matheus Cunha is the least-capped member of the attacking quartet; nevertheless, his stellar performances for Manchester United have propelled him up the national team’s selection rankings.

João Pedro will compete with him for the position, but Cunha currently has the advantage. He has more international exposure than the Chelsea attacker.

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