Brazil’s ‘Samba Army’ has selected a number of Saudi Arabia-based resources for the start of the 2026 North and Central American World Cup. The selection of players from non-European leagues is quite unusual, but it makes sense.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) unveiled its 23-man roster for the South American qualifiers for the 2026 North American Cup on Monday (September 18), which will take place during the A-match. Tite’s resignation after the team’s quarterfinal exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar left a leadership vacuum, with Ramon Menezes and current Fluminense boss Fernando Dinis serving as interim coaches.
Of course, Brazil is scrambling to find a new coach, but it won’t be easy. Carlo Ancelotti, whose contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of the season, has made it clear that he is committed to the job.
“There’s no immediate plans to go to Brazil,” Ancelotti said, but the Brazilians are more than willing. The club has expressed a strong desire to bring him back next January, even in the winter.
For starters, Dennis told CBF: “There’s a bond with the players. There’s an aesthetic, a beauty to it, trying to create a competitive game,” he said, vowing to start fresh with the best players. 온라인바카라
Despite being perennial World Cup favorites, their performance in Qatar left much to be desired. “There will always be creativity, competitiveness and a united way,” he said, promising to build a team that is strong in the free-flowing Brazilian style of soccer, which is characterized by open-mindedness.
Of the 23 players, Neymar (Al Hilal) stands out the most. Neymar, who joined Al Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain, had been away from the national team since Qatar, but was called up again. Of course, Neymar has been absent for various reasons, including injury.
“I had a conversation with Neymar. “The competitiveness of Europe and Saudi Arabia is different, but Neymar is trying to overcome that and write a beautiful page in his career (winning the World Cup). That expectation will help him overcome the difficulties (such as the devaluation) of Saudi competitiveness.”
Brazil has two games against Bolivia and Peru. In terms of objective strength, Brazil has the edge. In addition to Neymar, Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Thierry Henry (Tottenham Hotspur), and Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) have been called up.
Rosters for the first and second rounds of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup North and Central America (23 players)
Goalkeepers = Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Bento (Atlético Paranaense)
Defenders = Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Roger Ibanez (Al Ahly), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Nino (Fluminense), Danilu (Juventus), Vandersong, Kylian Mbappe (AS Monaco), Henan Roddy (Olympique Marseille)
Midfielders = Andre (Fluminense), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelington (Newcastle United), Jafael Baiga (Palmeiras)
Forwards = Anthony (Manchester United), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Mateusz Cunha (Wolverhampton), Neymar (Al Hilal), Thierry Henry (Tottenham Hotspur), Hodriguez, Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).