Multiple media outlets, including Estado de S. Paulo and Folha de S.Paulo, have provided updates on Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti's selection of the national team squad.
On Monday, May 11, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) submitted a preliminary list of 55 players to FIFA for the World Cup. The final 26-man squad to participate in the World Cup in North America will be selected from this list. Carlo Ancelotti will announce the final squad early next week, specifically on May 18.
Estêvão suffered a severe muscle injury during his time at Chelsea, and despite the forward's name appearing on the 55-man preliminary list, he will ultimately miss the World Cup. As of last weekend, the coaching staff still held out a glimmer of hope that he could recover, even if only to return from the knockout stage onwards.
Estêvão traveled to Brazil to receive treatment at his former club Palmeiras, making it more convenient for him to consult with the national team's medical staff.
However, test results over the weekend revealed that Estêvão will be unable to participate in any stage of the World Cup. He may even miss Chelsea's opening match of the 2026-2027 season. Estêvão's absence is undoubtedly a significant loss for Ancelotti, who had hoped he would become a key player for the team.
Sources indicate that Ancelotti has almost no doubts about the 26-man squad he will call up next Monday. Therefore, this preliminary list, which must be submitted in accordance with World Cup regulations, primarily serves to address potential injury changes.
Players can be replaced with medical certificates within 24 hours before Brazil's opening match against Morocco on June 13. Goalkeepers, meanwhile, can be replaced even if injured during matches.
Estêvão's absence has put Ancelotti in a dilemma. The coach may abandon his original plan to field nine forwards and instead choose to add one more midfielder.
Under these circumstances, considering that Endrick has secured a spot and Neymar is unable to be selected, the last World Cup spot will be contested by three players: forwards Rayan and Pedro, and midfielder André Santos.
Botafogo midfielder Danilo is expected to make the final squad, which has been endorsed by Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo Ancelotti.
Potential Squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Bento (Al-Nassr)
Defenders: Danilo (Flamengo), Wesley (Roma), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Ibañez (Al-Ahli)
Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Luis Henrique (Zenit), João Pedro (Chelsea), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Endrick (Lyon), Igor Thiago (Brentford)
Three Players Competing for the Final Spot: Pedro (Flamengo), Rayan (Bournemouth) or André Santos (Chelsea, Midfielder)