Ancelotti names Casemiro and three other Brazilians as key pillars ahead of World Cup

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti identifies essential players while assessing squad for 2026 World Cup.

Casemiro, Marquinhos, Bruno Guimarães among core players

Brazilian national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has highlighted Casemiro, Marquinhos, Bruno Guimarães, and another key player as the potential pillars of the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to journalist Diogo Dantas from O Globo.

While Ancelotti has not finalized the lineup, the coach has emphasized that these players possess the complete characteristics necessary to anchor the team. Across two FIFA international dates and four matches, the trio has consistently stood out as nearly guaranteed starters.

Individual praise for midfield and defense

Bruno Guimarães, who scored in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Chile, earned praise from Ancelotti for his versatility and completeness in midfield. Similarly, Marquinhos of PSG was recognized as a highly reliable and well-rounded defensive presence, reinforcing his importance to the national squad.

“There’s no one else on the field with Casemiro’s characteristics,” Ancelotti noted, underscoring the midfielder’s unique value to the team.

Upcoming match against Bolivia

Brazil will face Bolivia on Tuesday, September 9, at 8:30 p.m. Brasília time at the Estadio Municipal de El Alto in Bolivia. This match marks the final round of the World Cup Qualifiers, giving Ancelotti an opportunity to test his core players and finalize strategies ahead of the tournament.

Probable lineup

The probable squad is expected to revolve around these key pillars, with Casemiro anchoring midfield, Marquinhos leading the defense, and Bruno Guimarães providing creativity and control. Their performance will likely set the tone for Brazil’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup.