Wesley ruled out with injury, Brazil without right-back for 2026 World Cup

Brazil loses its starting right-back four days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off. Wesley, defender for AS Rome, is suffering from a muscle injury to the left adductor, sustained Saturday during Brazil’s friendly victory over Egypt (2-1). Tests conducted Sunday confirmed he will be unable to participate in the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.

To address this absence, manager Carlo Ancelotti has chosen to recall Éderson, midfielder for Atalanta, whose transfer to Manchester United has been widely reported. The choice is unusual: Éderson is not a right-back by formation, which forces the Brazilian staff to rethink its defensive organization.

According to Brazilian media Globo, Ancelotti is expected to turn to Danilo or Ibanez to occupy the right flank in Wesley’s absence. Neither is a specialist in the position, which raises questions about the defensive solidity of the Seleção before entering Group C.

Brazil will open its World Cup against Morocco on June 14, before facing Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 25. The loss of a starter at this key position, so close to the first match, represents a significant logistical and tactical challenge for Ancelotti, who will need to find a stable solution in the coming days.