The news
Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad is set without João Pedro, Andrey Santos, or Thiago Silva, per Fabrizio Romano. The trio represent three of the most notable omissions as Carlo Ancelotti finalizes his group for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Prior context
Thiago Silva's exclusion is the headline cut, ending a run that spanned four World Cups and made him one of the most respected voices across multiple generations of the Seleção. Andrey Santos departs the picture despite recent success captaining Brazil's U-20 side, while João Pedro's Brighton form was not enough to force his way in. The decisions land just days after Ancelotti included Neymar in a 55-man preliminary squad following his return to professional football with Santos.
- Reporter: Fabrizio Romano
- Omitted: Thiago Silva, João Pedro, Andrey Santos
- Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
- Recent result: Brazil 3-0 Chile (Sept. 4, 2025, World Cup qualifying)
- Preliminary squad size: 55 players, including Neymar
- Host nations: United States, Mexico, Canada
What it means
The cuts confirm Ancelotti is leaning into a generational transition rather than leaning on legacy names, even one with Silva's resume. Losing a four-time World Cup veteran reshapes Brazil's centre-back hierarchy and leadership group, while Santos' omission closes a door that many in Brazilian football expected to open after his U-20 captaincy. For João Pedro, missing out is a setback in a forward pool already crowded by Neymar's return and the next wave of attackers Ancelotti is trusting.
What to watch next
Attention now shifts to the formal squad announcement and how Ancelotti structures his defensive spine and attacking depth without Silva and João Pedro. Brazil's pre-tournament fixtures will be the first real look at the post-Silva era as the five-time champions chase a first World Cup title since 2002.