Wesley ruled out of World Cup with thigh injury as Brazil call up Éderson days before opener

Brazil have been forced into a pre-tournament reshuffle after right back Wesley suffered a left thigh muscle injury in their friendly against Egypt on Saturday night in Cleveland, ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup entirely. Midfielder Éderson, 26, has been called up as his replacement, joining the squad in the United States as part of a 26-player roster.

Wesley left the Egypt match early, and subsequent imaging confirmed the injury was serious enough to end his tournament before it began. The Brazilian football confederation confirmed the news on Sunday, expressing regret at losing a player who had been a key part of the squad’s preparations.

“Wesley is an athlete loved by the group and will always be considered part of this team that seeks the six-time world championship,” the confederation said in a statement.

Brazil open their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, before facing Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 24.

The Wesley setback is not the only fitness concern surrounding the Seleção. Forward Neymar, 34, did not travel to Cleveland with the rest of the squad and remains sidelined with a calf injury. His availability for the tournament is still uncertain, adding further anxiety to Brazil’s preparations as they chase a record sixth World Cup title.