A month before the World Cup, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti finds himself in a paradox. While the majority of the 26-man squad is already defined, uncertainties remain across every position—from goalkeeper to center forward.
These doubts stem from a significant injury crisis, poor form in key roles, and, as has been the case since the Italian took over, constant questions about Neymar’s inclusion.
Ancelotti will submit a preliminary 55-man list to FIFA today. The final 26 will be drawn from that list but will only be revealed next Monday, the 18th. The tournament kicks off on June 11 with Mexico vs. South Africa, while Brazil makes its debut two days later against Morocco.
**Goalkeepers seemed settled, but the final stretch raises doubts**
The questions begin under the posts. Alisson, the undisputed starter, has not played since March 18 due to a muscle injury in his right thigh. He was sidelined for 50 days with the same problem last October and November. The expectation is that he will return in time for the World Cup, but time to reach peak form is tight.
Éderson, another virtually guaranteed goalkeeper, is not in great form at Fenerbahce in Turkey. Bento of Al Nassr is the most inexperienced of the three at 26. If Alisson is not 100% fit by the tournament, Ancelotti will face a significant uncertainty in goal. Aside from these three, the other name that has appeared on the Italian’s lists is Hugo Souza of Corinthians.
**Full-backs and Militão’s replacement**
Eder Militão was set to be the starting right-back during the World Cup, but he is injured and out of the tournament. The likely replacement on the squad list is Ibañez, but that raises more questions than answers: Should Ancelotti bet on the Al Ahli defender or Wesley of Roma, who is much more offensive and could alter the defensive balance of his system?
Danilo, another alternative in the position, is not a starter at Flamengo. The left side seems more consolidated with probable call-ups for Douglas Santos and Alex Sandro, but Caio Henrique of Monaco has returned to play after a March injury. With little time before the squad announcement, the French club’s player offers a more attacking option that the competitors lack.
**Is there still time for Paquetá?**
The midfield is solid with virtually defined names: Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães are the starters, while Danilo secured a spot during the March international break. Andrey Santos likely completes the unit. But is there still time for Lucas Paquetá?
The Flamengo midfielder was left out of the friendlies against France and Croatia in March and got injured on April 19, just as his form was improving for Flamengo. The World Cup approaches, and the outlook for the playmaker grows less promising.
**Many questions in attack: Estêvão, Neymar, and Pedro**
Up front, doubts abound. They start with Estêvão’s injury: despite his youth, the Chelsea forward was the standout player of the Ancelotti era, but he is virtually out of the World Cup with a serious muscle injury in his right thigh.
The questions begin with the formation itself: without Estêvão, should Ancelotti keep the four-man attack? He has indicated yes. The possible absence of the youngster paves the way for the debate over Neymar’s call-up to persist. The outlook today does not seem positive for Santos’ No. 10, but the final answer will only come on Monday, the 18th.
Among confirmed names, there are also doubts: R