The Brazil team that should play at the 2026 World Cup

Brazil came into the 2022 World Cup expecting to feature at the deepest end of the competition; hopes were of a sixth global triumph or at least an appearance in the final for the first time in 20 years.

As it turned out, however, the grit of Croatia proved too much for samba ambition as a 4-2 penalty-shootout defeat, following a 1-1 draw after extra time, sent them packing at the quarter-final stage.

Neymar's 106th-minute opener was celebrated as if it were a guarantee of Brazilian progression at the extra-time interval. Bruno Petkovic's 117th-minute equaliser and the subsequent lottery of penalties, however, ensured otherwise.

It will be 24 years since their last World Cup triumph once the next tournament comes around and, while there are several electric youngsters set to grow into their careers over the next four years, a large part of the side will have just played their final World Cup. So, how different could Brazil's side for the 2026 World Cup be?

Brazil's potential 2026 World Cup starting XI

GK: Ederson - It's madness to think that a goalkeeper like Ederson struggles for game time for his country. That's the level of riches Brazil have between the sticks and, in 2026 - when the Manchester City number one is 33 and Alisson is 34 - whoever is in charge of the Selecao will have another dilemma on his hands. While Alisson has been favoured over the years, Ederson's time could yet be to come.

RB: Eder Militao - Full-back is an area in which Brazil have failed to reproduce sufficient talent over recent years, epitomised by the use of Real Madrid's excellent central defender Eder Militao on the right side of the back four. His pace, progressive mindset and quality on the ball, however, make him a suitable option in the role and, with the quality the Brazilians boast in the centre of defence and comparative lack of it out wide, it would be no surprise to see Militao claim the right-back position for his own at international level for the years to come.

CB: Marquinhos - One man who has firmly claimed his position in the national side is Marquinhos. With 38-year-old Thiago Silva having surely just signed off from World Cup duties, the 29-year-old's role will be even greater in four years' time; having shown his capabilities to step up to the fore for Paris Saint-Germain following Silva's transfer to Chelsea, Marquinhos will surely be a central figure in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad.

CB: Gabriel - By the time the 2026 World Cup is on our doorstep, we could be talking about three-time Premier League winner Gabriel - who knows? Okay, most probably not. However, the Arsenal man has continued to impress at the heart of the Gunners' defence in recent times and is putting forward a strong case to become a regular at international level; Gleison Bremer

LB: Renan Lodi - As previously mentioned, the days of seeing the marauding Marcelo and Dani Alves up the Brazilian flanks are long gone. Left-back presents an issue for future Selecao gaffers, with Alex Sandro and Danilo set to be past it by 2026. Nottingham Forest full-back Renan Lodi, on loan from Atletico Madrid, is just 24 years old and hasn't gone under the radar at international level, already picking up 16 caps. Should he continue to be a solid performer in future seasons, that left-back spot for the 2026 World Cup could be his.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes - Lucas Paqueta was one of Tite's preferred central midfielders in Qatar but it's difficult to see Bruno Guimaraes not eclipsing the West Ham man sometime soon - if he hasn't already. The Newcastle favourite has been a revelation in the Premier League and, with the likes of Fred and Fabinho approaching a footballer's dreaded milestone birthday, 25-year-old Guimaraes will surely be in his pomp when we reach the next World Cup.

CM: Casemiro - One man who has already reached that aforementioned birthday is Casemiro but, with the consistency he's shown over the last five or six years, who's to say he won't be just as big a part of his country's starting XI in four years? 49 of the iconic screening midfielder's 69 caps have come since March 2018, showing his subtle importance to any side within which he features, including the mighty Brazilians.

30-year-olds Neymar and Casemiro will be determined to feature at the 2026 World Cup / GABRIEL BOUYS/GettyImages

RM: Endrick - Brazil are spoiled for choice in forward areas and, while Gabriel Martinelli, Rodrygo and Raphinha all present options on the flank, 2026 could prove the breakout year for a currently uncapped prospect. Brazilian sensation Endrick, a rapid, powerful forward who can dominate from anywhere across the front line, has recently agreed to sign for Real Madrid and will have been at the Spanish giants for two years by 2026 - the stars are aligned for 16-year-old Endrick.

AM: Neymar - With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo having almost certainly played their final World Cup campaigns in 2022, the romantic scenario would be for Neymar to have a shot at World Cup glory outside of their shadows. Injury and fitness issues might prove insurmountable for Neymar (who would be 34 years of age at the 2026 World Cup) over the coming years - but the thought of inspiring his nation to a sixth star as their veteran beacon of light might just pull him through, with Ronaldo backing him to play a pivotal role.

LM: Vinicius Junior - Neymar's inclusion in North America four years from now might be uncertain at best, but Vinicius Junior's role in the Brazil side by then is far from that. Indeed, the Real Madrid winger started all but one of his country's matches in Qatar, missing just the final group game. Having truly risen to Los Blancos stardom since the beginning of the 2021/22 campaign, the electric 22-year-old will be entering his prime by the time we're gearing up for the next World Cup - a scary thought.

ST: Richarlison - It's fairly safe to assume that it'll be a straight shootout between Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus for leading-man boasting rights at the 2026 World Cup, by which time they'll both be 29; if Qatar is anything to go by, the Tottenham man can expect to lead the line. And, with 20 strikes in just 42 caps, he's certainly currently one of their main goal threats.

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