Brazil's 2022 World Cup squad: Who's on the plane?

Image by Matthew Burt
Image by Matthew Burt /
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After a final international break, the 2022 FIFA World Cup is almost upon us.

One of the favourites (as they usually are) to win the tournament in Qatar is Brazil, and they are for several reasons: in addition to the regularity and excellent level of performances in qualification, Canarinho is full of world class talent in every position, and world class talent that is bang in form right now.

But who are the protagonists who will arrive in Qatar with the responsibility of winning a sixth title for their nation? Well, that's what we're here to find out. Below are the players 90min think will make the 'plane' for the World Cup.


26. Lucas Verissimo or Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhães could make the cut / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

The fourth centre-back spot in the squad is very much up for debate, with the fight looking to be between Lucas Verissimo and Gabriel Magalhaes for it. At the moment it's hard to choose between them.

25. Alex Telles

Alex Telles
Alex Telles could be the back-up left-back / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

The ex-Man Utd man will probably just make the cut due to Guilherme Arana's injury.

24. Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino
Experience may be important / Ivan Romano/GettyImages

It's between Roberto Firmino and Matheus Cunha for the final forward spot in the squad. While the latter got some minutes during the September friendlies, Firmino seems like a safer bet due to his experience and versatility.

23. Pedro

Pedro, Leo Pereira
Pedro is a goal scorer / Wagner Meier/GettyImages

Remember this name. Pedro could be the surprise star of the World Cup.

A traditional centre forward, the Brazilian is in exceptional form at club level - bagging 34 goal contributions, including 24 goals - and may be a key player for Brazil if given the chance.

22. Everton Ribeiro

Everton, Angelo Preciado
Everton Ribeiro is industrious / Pedro Vilela/GettyImages

Everton Ribeiro's not the flashiest player, but his industry on and off the ball will earn him a spot on the plane.

21. Bruno Guimaraes

Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimarães is quality / Stu Forster/GettyImages

One of Brazil's exciting young players, Bruno Guimaraes is a modern midfielder, capable of defending and supporting the forwards with equal quality. The Olympic champion is practically guaranteed to be in the squad.

20. Philippe Coutinho

Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho still in with a chance / Visionhaus/GettyImages

His absence from the September squad may have left his World Cup selection in doubt, but due to his previous performances in a Brazil shirt he should still make it.

19. Weverton

Weverton
Weverton is experienced / Alexandre Schneider/GettyImages

The best goalkeeper playing in Brazil right now, expect Weverton to be the nation's third choice keeper this winter.

18. Rodrygo

Rodrygo
Rodrygo is really improving / Lionel Hahn/GettyImages

Rodrygo has really come into his own in 2022, scoring crucial goals for Real Madrid at club level and becoming a much more consistent performer.

17. Antony

Antony
A game changer / Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages

An excellent dribbler, Antony has the ability to change a game. At the very least, he'll be a brilliant bench option for Tite when the going gets tough.

16. Fred

Fred - Brazilian Soccer Midfielder - Born 1993
Fred in action / Visionhaus/GettyImages

He's not the most popular footballer in the world, but Fred remains a key player for Brazil in the middle of the park.

15. Vinícius Júnior

Vinicius Junior
World class / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

He's not been quite as impressive for the Seleçao as he is for Real Madrid yet, however, his talent is unquestionable. A top, top player.

14. Fabinho

International Friendly"Brazil v Ghana"
Fabinho is solid / ANP/GettyImages

Combative out of possession and quality in possession, Fabinho is an important part of Tite's squad, even if he's not a starter.

13. Ederson

Ederson
Second choice / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

Very few teams can say they have two world class goalkeepers at their disposal. Unfortunately for Ederson, Brazil is one of them.

12. Alex Sandro

Alex Sandro
Out of form / Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages

He's been fairly out of form at club level for a while, but Alex Sandro's experience will mean he gets the nod from Tite this winter.

11. Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus
A surprising recent omission by Tite / Richard Heathcote/GettyImages

One of the most in-form players in Europe right now, Gabriel Jesus has been electric at Arsenal this season.

Despite that, he didn't get called up to the squad for September's games. While this may be concerning, expect him to still make the squad for the World Cup - he's too good not to.

10. Eder Militao

International Friendly"Brazil v Ghana"
Éder Militão - Brazil's right-back? / ANP/GettyImages

Don't be surprised to see Militao being used at right-back by Tite, and don't be surprised if he's brilliant in that position.

9. Raphinha

Raphinha - Soccer Player - Born 1996
In top form recently / Lionel Hahn/GettyImages

The now-Barcelona forward is a favourite of Tite's and, as his brace against Tunisia attests, for good reason.

8. Richarlison

Richarlison
A starter for Brazil / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

The current first-choice centre-forward, Richarlison's ability on and off the ball will be essential for how Brazil play this winter in Qatar.

7. Lucas Paqueta

Lucas Paqueta, Raphinha Dias
Lucas Paquetá is now a West Ham player / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

Mobility, good vision and the ability to play a killer pass, Lucas Paqueta the perfect midfielder for this Brazil team.

6. Danilo

Danilo
A manager's dream / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

He's not the most exciting footballer in the world, but he is extremely dependable and can play anywhere across the backline.

5. Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva
Old, but still brilliant / MB Media/GettyImages

A real leader, Brazil will need his experience and talent to get over the finishing line in Qatar.

4. Alisson

Alisson Becker
The best around / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

Perhaps the best goalkeeper in the world right now. He is first choice ahead of Ederson for a very good reason.

3. Marquinhos

Wahbi Khazri, Marquinhos
A key man for Brazil / Jean Catuffe/GettyImages

Amazingly still only 28 years old despite being around for what feels like a lifetime.

The PSG star is Brazil's main man in defence.

2. Casemiro

Casemiro
Casemiro in action / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

Tactical discipline, consistency, intelligence and physicality: Casemiro is a complete player and has been among the best defensive midfielders in the world for many years.

1. Neymar

Neymar
In-form / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

The greatest Brazilian footballer of the last 10 years is going into the World Cup in the form of his life.