Brazil suffered a significant loss just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup. Wesley, right-back from Roma, was removed from the squad after confirming the muscle injury he sustained during the friendly against Egypt, the last match for the team managed by Carlo Ancelotti before the World Cup debut.
The defender barely played 16 minutes of the match held in Cleveland. After feeling a physical discomfort, he requested a substitution and left the field visibly affected. Once the match was over, he underwent medical examinations to determine the extent of the injury.
With the results of the check-up now available, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) reported this Sunday that the defender suffered a strain in the left thigh adductor muscle, a diagnosis that will keep him out of the World Cup. Although the coaching staff initially awaited the results to make a definitive decision, the estimated recovery time (of 12 to 15 days) ultimately ruled out his participation in the tournament.
Wesley's absence forced Ancelotti to urgently modify the roster and left a surprise. Instead of calling up another right-back, the Italian coach opted to add Éderson, midfielder from Atalanta, to complete the squad that will travel to the United States.
Éderson will replace Wesley on Brazil's final roster
In recent hours, there had been speculation about the possibility of calling up another defender and even about a potential return of Thiago Silva. However, Ancelotti decided to strengthen the midfield with the former Corinthians and Cruzeiro player, while maintaining the defensive options he already had available. Thus, the main candidates to fill the vacancy at right-back will be Danilo, who came on for Wesley during the friendly against Egypt, and Roger Ibáñez, a regular center-back.
Putting aside this unfortunate setback, and after winning their two preparation friendlies (6-2 against Panama and 2-1 against Egypt), the Canarinha is already thinking about the World Cup. The five-time world champion will debut in Group C against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, then face Haiti on the 19th at Lincoln Financial Field in Boston and close the group stage against Scotland on the 24th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
