Carlo Ancelotti has narrowed down a 55-player preliminary roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Flamengo leads the way among Brazilian clubs with five selections. According to ESPN, the Rubro-Negro contingent includes:
- Danilo: A virtual certainty for the final squad.
- Alex Sandro: A trusted veteran in Ancelotti’s defensive rotation.
- Lucas Paquetá, Léo Pereira, & Pedro are all under close evaluation, with Pedro gaining momentum due to peak physical form.
Other Rio-based clubs also feature, with Botafogo contributing midfielder Danilo and right-back Vitinho, while Vasco da Gama’s Paulo Henrique remains on the radar despite a turbulent season. Notably, Fluminense was entirely excluded from the list.
Beyond Rio, five other Brazilian clubs are represented. Notable inclusions feature goalkeepers Carlos Miguel (Palmeiras) and Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Cruzeiro defenders Kaiki and Fabrício Bruno, and Santos icon Neymar, who remains under observation.
With the final squad announcement set for May 18, these players from six domestic clubs face a nervous wait to see if they will represent the Seleção on the world stage