Brazil dealt Wesley injury blow ahead of FIFA World Cup opener; Ancelotti calls up Ederson

Brazil’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered an early setback after defender Wesley was ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury, forcing head coach Carlo Ancelotti to make a late change to his squad.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Sunday that the AS Roma full-back sustained an adductor muscle injury in his left thigh during Brazil’s 2-1 friendly win over Egypt in Cleveland. Subsequent MRI scans revealed the extent of the problem, ruling him out just days before the Selecao begin their World Cup campaign.

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In response, Ancelotti has called up Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is expected to join the squad in the United States on Monday. The injury leaves Brazil without a natural right-back in their 26-man squad, increasing the likelihood of experienced defenders Danilo and Ibanez being deployed in the position during the tournament.

“The MRI scan revealed a muscle injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh,” the CBF said in a statement. “The CBF regrets the injury. Wesley is a player much loved by the squad and will always be considered part of this team as it seeks to win its sixth World Cup title.”

Brazil will kick off their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium before facing Haiti in Philadelphia on June 19 and Scotland in Miami on June 24.

Despite the setback, Brazil remain among the favourites to lift the trophy, boasting a star-studded squad that includes Alisson, Ederson Moraes, Marquinhos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Neymar Jr., Raphinha, Vinicius Jr. and teenage forward Endrick.

Also Read: Brazil’s Neymar sidelined for Egypt clash, undergoes ‘intensive physiotherapy’ for calf injury

The five-time world champions are aiming to end a 24-year wait for World Cup glory, having last lifted football’s biggest prize in 2002. Brazil remain the most successful nation in tournament history with titles in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.

Brazil’s updated 2026 FIFA World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson Moraes, Weverton

Defenders: Alex Sandro, Bremer, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhees, Ibanez, Leo Pereira, Marquinhos

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos, Fabinho, Lucas Paqueta, Ederson

Forwards: Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Neymar Junior, Raphinha, Rayan, Vinicius Junior.