Brazil Faces Early Setback as Wesley Exits 2026 World Cup Squad

Brazil suffers a blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup after defender Wesley's thigh injury forces his exit. Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti calls up Atalanta's Ederson as a replacement. Despite the setback, Brazil remains strong contenders, aiming for their sixth World Cup title.

Five-time World Cup winners Brazil have experienced an early hurdle in their 2026 campaign with the injury of defender Wesley, ruling him out of the tournament. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has brought in Atalanta midfielder Ederson to fill the void left in the squad.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Sunday that Wesley sustained a muscle injury in his left thigh's adductor during a friendly win over Egypt. An MRI confirmed the severity of the injury, leading to the AS Roma player's withdrawal mere days before Brazil's opening match against Morocco.

The injury presents a tactical challenge for Ancelotti, as Brazil lacks a dedicated right-back in their squad. The Italian manager will depend on the adaptable abilities of Danilo and Ibanez. Despite the setback, Brazil, filled with both seasoned and young talents, remains a favorite for the title as they prepare for their matches.