Brazil's Squad Takes a Hit: Ederson Called Up to Replace Injured Wesley

ANI Photo | Brazil call up Ederson after Wesley ruled out of World Cup with injury

Brazil have lost defender Wesley to a thigh injury ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti calling up Atalanta midfielder Ederson as his replacement.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Sunday that Wesley suffered a muscle injury to the adductor in his left thigh during Brazil’s 2-1 friendly win over Egypt in Cleveland on Saturday, according to Reuters.

Following an MRI scan after the match, which revealed the injury’s extent, the AS Roma defender was forced to withdraw from the squad days before Brazil’s opening Group C fixture.

“The MRI scan revealed a muscle injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh,” the CBF said in an official statement, as per Reuters. “The CBF regrets the injury. Wesley is a player much loved by the squad and will always be considered part of this team as it seeks to win its sixth World Cup title.”

Wesley’s withdrawal leaves Brazil without a specialist right-back in their 26-man squad, presenting a selection challenge for Ancelotti. The Italian manager is expected to rely on versatile defenders Danilo and Ibanez to cover the position during the tournament.

To fill the vacant roster spot, the CBF has summoned Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is due to join the squad in the United States on Monday.

Brazil will begin their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. They will then face Haiti in Philadelphia on June 19 before playing Scotland in Miami on June 24.

Despite the injury setback, Brazil remain among the favourites for the World Cup title, with a squad featuring experienced players and emerging talents, including Alisson, Ederson Moraes, Marquinhos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Neymar Jr., Raphinha, Vinicius Jr., and teenage striker Endrick.

The South American side are seeking their first World Cup win since 2002 and a record-extending sixth title overall. Brazil hold the record as the most successful nation in FIFA World Cup history, having won in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002.

The updated Brazilian squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is as follows: Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson Moraes, Weverton. Defenders: Alex Sandro, Bremer, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ibanez, Leo Pereira, Marquinhos. Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos, Fabinho, Lucas Paqueta, Ederson. Forwards: Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Neymar Junior, Raphinha, Rayan, Vinicius Junior.

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Home » Sports » Brazil call up Ederson after Wesley ruled out of World Cup with injury

This story is written by TNM Bureau with inputs from ANI. The News Mill is a Guwahati-based digital media with focus on content from across Northeast India and beyond. We can be reached through [email protected]