Striker Luiz Henrique, one of Botafogo's highlights (Photo: Vitor Silva/Botafogo) The Brazilian team, led by coach Dorival Jr., is preparing for a new challenge in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, next Friday (16 ), with games against Ecuador and Paraguay scheduled to be launched and expected to bring news. With the main European leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue One) still returning from the summer holidays, the coach tends to select players who compete in the Brazilian Championship, taking advantage of the good moment. And the best physical conditions of some athletes active in the country.
Since being eliminated from the Copa América by Uruguay, Dorival Jr. stated that he is focusing on the performance of his best players in the Brazilian Championship. In the months of June and July, continental competitions delayed the start of the championships, leaving many players without the necessary speed to face the qualifying duels. Dorival Jr., therefore, sees Brazilian athletes as an opportunity to build a more competitive team.
Among the names that appear on Dorival's list, Luiz Henrique, from Botafogo, is the most talked about. The young striker has been one of the highlights of the Brazilian Championship, with direct participation in 14 goals (7 goals and 7 assists) this season. He is already on the Copa América pre-list and now has a great chance of being called up for the games against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Another name that has generated speculation is that of Cruzeiro midfielder, Mathews Pereira. With 9 goals and 12 assists this season, the number 10 of the Minas Gerais team has established himself as one of the main players in the Brazilian Championship. Creativity in midfield, something that the Selecco lacked during the Copa América, could be an important asset for Dorival Jr., who is looking for alternatives to reinforce the team's offensive sector.
Flamengo promises to be the Brazilian team that most lacks players called up by Brazil. The club, which has already called up players from Dorival's first list, may try to call up its main athletes again. Defender Fabricio Bruno, midfielder Gerson and center forward Pedro are on Dorival Junior's radar for the matches on September 6th and 10th.
Defender Fabricio Bruno continued his good form in friendlies against England and Spain in March and managed to return to the squad. Midfielder Gerson, who has not been called up since September last year, is back at Flamengo as team captain. He is another name that could appear on Dorival's list, strengthening the Brazilian team's midfield.
Pedro, top scorer in national football with 29 goals this season and isolated leader of the Brazilian artillery with 10 goals, is one of the favorites to occupy the center forward position. Flamengo's number 9, much sought after by fans, played in the 2022 World Cup, but has not been called up since then. Pedro's goalscoring phase with great chances of wearing the Seleção shirt again.
Another name that has a great chance of appearing on the list is Paulinho, Atlético-MG striker. Gallo's number 10 is having another impressive season in Brazilian football, with 14 goals and 4 assists so far. Last year's top scorer at the Brazilian Championship, Paulinho could be the choice of the Brazilian attack and should return to the Brazilian team.
It remains to be seen whether mentioning names that play in Brazilian football will increase the credibility of Brazilians in Amarelinha. According to Felipe Pereira, editorial director of BonusdeApostas.com, a website specializing in betting, “Calling up players who play in Brazil can encourage fans of Brazilian clubs to bet on the Seleção, but it all depends on the team's improvement on the field. ”.
FIFA date and team challenges The FIFA date will take place between the 2nd and 10th of September, with games in Curitiba, Ecuador, and Asunción, Paraguay. Brazil needs to recover in the Qualifiers and secure a favorable position for the 2026 World Cup. There should be no conflict of dates with the clubs.
The first challenge is against Ecuador, on September 6th, at the Couto Pereira Stadium, in Curitiba. Ecuador is on the rise in international competitions and promises to be a difficult opponent for the Brazilian team. Four days later, Brazil will face Paraguay at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium, in Asunción.
After the disappointment in the Copa América, the coach will try to rebuild the team with players who can give the team new tactical and technical options. The inclusion of Brasileirão players is not just a temporary solution, but could be the beginning of a new cycle for Brazilian football, which requires renewal and greater connection with what happens on the country's pitches.