Brazil came into the 2022 World Cup expecting to feature at the deepest end of the competition; hopes were of a sixth global triumph or at least an appearance in the final for the first time in 20 years.
As it turned out, however, the grit of Croatia proved too much for samba ambition as a 4-2 penalty-shootout defeat, following a 1-1 draw after extra time, sent them packing at the quarter-final stage.
Neymar’s 106th-minute opener was celebrated as if it were a guarantee of Brazilian progression at the extra-time interval. Bruno Petkovic’s 117th-minute equaliser and the subsequent lottery of penalties, however, ensured otherwise.
It will be 24 years since their last World Cup triumph once the next tournament comes around and, while there are several electric youngsters set to grow into their careers over the next four years, a large part of the side will have just played their final World Cup. So, how different could Brazil’s side for the 2026 World Cup be?
GK: Ederson – It’s madness to think that a goalkeeper like Ederson struggles for game time for his country. That’s the level of riches Brazil have between the sticks and, in 2026 – when the Manchester City number one is 33 and Alisson is 34 – whoever is in charge of the Selecao will have another dilemma on his hands. While Alisson has been favoured over the years, Ederson’s time could yet be to come.
RB: Eder Militao – Full-back is an area in which Brazil have failed to reproduce sufficient talent over recent years, epitomised by the use of Real Madrid’s excellent central defender Eder Militao on the right side of the back four. His pace, progressive mindset and quality on the ball, however, make him a suitable option in the role and, with the quality the Brazilians boast in the centre of defence and comparative lack of it out wide, it would be no surprise to see Militao claim the right-back position for his own at international level for the years to come.
CB: Marquinhos – One man who has firmly claimed his position in the national side is Marquinhos. With 38-year-old Thiago Silva having surely just signed off from World Cup duties, the 29-year-old’s role will be even greater in four years’ time; having shown his capabilities to step up to the fore for Paris Saint-Germain following Silva’s transfer to Chelsea, Marquinhos will surely be a central figure in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.
CB: Gabriel – By the time the 2026 World Cup is on our doorstep, we could be talking about three-time Premier League winner…
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