Brazil’s national team already has 23 players ready to play in the double date of the South American Qualifiers. Among those called up by Dorival Júnior are Estêvão Willian, the jewel of Palmeiras already sold to Chelsea, and Luiz Henrique, Botafogo’s star signing, while notable absences include Raphinha and Douglas Luiz, and Neymar, although this is linked to the fact that he is still recovering from his injury.
Coach Dorival Júnior announced the list of 23 players called up for the double date of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The Seleção will first face Ecuador in Curitiba on September 6, and four days later they will play against Paraguay in Asunción.
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Estêvão’s first call-up was highly anticipated, following the 17-year-old’s excellent performance at Palmeiras. The São Paulo club quickly celebrated the call-up on social media: “First call-up is special, isn’t it? Estêvão has been called up to play for the Brazilian national team for the first time as a professional, and he will wear the Amarelinha! Congratulations, my star player!”
A primeira convocação é especial, né, Cria? Estêvão foi chamado para defender a Seleção Brasileira pela primeira vez como profissional e vestirá a Amarelinha na próxima Data Fifa! Parabéns, meu craque! 💚#AvantiPalestra #CriaDaAcademia pic.twitter.com/I02uMK3zpp
— SE Palmeiras (@Palmeiras) August 23, 2024
Pedro was also called up and although Flamengo’s top scorer missed the last few games due to injury, there is optimism that he will recover soon. “Pedro’s characteristics will be important for the moment we are living. I have always had a lot of confidence in him. I think that was evident during my last stage at Flamengo. I always wanted to have him on the field because of his ability,” Dorival Júnior said in a press conference.
Regarding the 2024 Copa América roster, the absence of Raphinha, the FC Barcelona winger considered a starter for the five-time champions, is notable. Neither is there Douglas Luiz, recently transferred to Juventus, nor Gabriel Martinelli, who is a game-changer for Arsenal.
As for the regulars called up in recent years, Neymar is still out. The star is in the final stages of recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee, and is slowly joining in with the activities of his club, Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia.
Casemiro, Richarlison and Antony are other names that are also out of the running at the moment despite playing for important European teams.
The qualifying matches will be crucial, as the five-time world champions are sixth in the standings. They have not won in four matches and suffered three consecutive defeats, including against Argentina at the Maracaná, which ended their historic unbeaten run at home in this tournament.
Brazil’s roster for the qualifiers
Goalkeepers
Alisson (Liverpool)
Bento
Ederson (Manchester City)
Defenses
Danilo (Juventus)
Yan Couto (Borussia Dortmund)
Guilherme Arana (Atlético Mineiro)
Wendell (Porto)
Beraldo (PSG)
Éder Militão (Real Madrid)
Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
Marquinhos (PSG)
Midfielders
André (Fluminense)
Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle)
Gerson (Flamengo)
João Gomes (Wolverhampton)
Lucas Paquetá (West Ham)
Forwards
Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Endrick (Real Madrid)
Estêvão Willian (Palmeiras)
Luiz Henrique (Botafogo)
Pedro (Flamengo)
Savinho (Manchester City)
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Article originally written by Camil Straschnoy
