Brazil's only right-back Wesley ruled out of World Cup with thigh injury, Ancelotti calls up Atalanta midfielder Ederson
Brazil defender Wesley has been dropped from the World Cup squad after scans confirmed a left adductor injury, with Atalanta midfielder Ederson summoned as a late replacement just days before the tournament begins.
Injury in final warm-up
Brazil's preparations for the 2026 World Cup suffered a setback when right-back Wesley was ruled out of the tournament with a muscle injury sustained during Saturday's friendly against Egypt in Cleveland. The AS Roma defender, the only specialist right-back in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad, pulled up after a sprint in the 16th minute and left the pitch in tears. Brazil went on to win the match 2-1 with goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Endrick, but the post-match focus was on Wesley's condition.
Diagnosis and replacement
An MRI scan on Sunday confirmed a lesion to the adductor muscle in Wesley's left thigh, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced. The injury is severe enough to prevent any participation in the tournament.
The CBF expressed regret, describing Wesley as a player much loved by the squad. Ancelotti moved quickly to fill the gap, calling up Atalanta midfielder Ederson, 26, who will join the squad in the United States on Monday.The MRI scan revealed a muscle injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh.
Tactical reshuffle
Ancelotti's choice of Ederson, a defensive midfielder, rather than a like-for-like right-back surprised some observers. Brazilian media noted that natural full-backs Paulo Henrique (Vasco) and Vitinho (Botafogo) had been on Ancelotti's preliminary list. Instead, the coach opted to reinforce the midfield, where Ederson joins Casemiro, Fabinho, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo Santos and Lucas Paqueta. On the right flank, versatile centre-backs Danilo and Ibanez are now expected to compete for the starting role.
Group C outlook
Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on Saturday, 14 June, in New York, before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C. The five-time champions are among the favourites for the tournament, which returns to the United States for the first time since 1994, when Brazil last won the title on American soil. Scotland, who meet Brazil in their final group match on 24 June, will note the disruption to their opponent's defensive plans.
Neymar doubt lingers
Ancelotti also faces uncertainty over veteran forward Neymar. The 34-year-old, a surprise inclusion in the squad, has been dealing with a calf complaint and did not feature against Egypt. A medical examination scheduled for Monday will determine his availability.
I think his situation is quite clear. He's doing a great job on his own. After the weekend, he'll have an MRI scan and then, if everything goes well, he can train with the squad next week.
- Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in Cleveland friendly; Wesley injured in 16th minute
- MRI confirms Wesley's adductor injury; CBF announces Ederson as replacement
- Ederson joins Brazil squad in the United States; Neymar undergoes calf scan
- Brazil open Group C campaign against Morocco in New York
- Brazil face Scotland in final Group C match
