Striker Luiz Henrique, one of Botafogo's players (Photo: Vitor Silva/Botafogo) The Brazilian team, led by coach Dorival Júnior, is preparing for a new campaign in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Next Friday (16) , the list of teams . because the game between Ecuador and Paraguay will be broadcast and the hope is that it will bring news. With the main European leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue One) still returning from the summer holidays, the tendency is for the coach to select the players who competed in the Brazilian Championship, and take advantage of the good weather and condition physics of some of the athletes who work in the area.
After being eliminated from the Copa América against Uruguay, Dorival Júnior has spoken openly about what influenced him to watch the Brasileirão's main players play. In the months of June and July, international competition paralyzed the leagues, leaving many players still without the necessary pace to face the Qualifiers duels. Dorival Júnior, therefore, sees the Brasileirão athletes as an opportunity to build a more competitive team.
Among the names that may appear in Dorival's book, one of the most cited is Luiz Henrique, from Botafogo. The young striker has been one of the main players in the Brazilian Championship, with 14 direct participation in goals (7 goals and 7 assists) this season. He was on the Copa América pre-list and now has a great chance of being called up for the friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Another name that has generated speculation is that of Matheus Pereira, Cruzeiro midfielder. With nine goals and 12 assists this season, the number 10 of the Minas Gerais team has established himself as one of the greatest players in the Brasileirão. His intelligence in midfield, something that the Seleção lacked in the Copa América, could be a valuable asset for Dorival Júnior, who is looking for more ways to strengthen the team's offensive sector.
Flamengo promises to be the Brazilian team with the most Brazilian players missing. The club, which has already had players called up to Dorival's initial list, may once again seek to call up top athletes. Defender Fabrício Bruno, midfielder Gerson and center forward Pedro are on Dorival Júnior's radar for the games on September 6th and 10th.
Defender Fabrício Bruno, who played friendlies against England and Spain in March, had a healthy campaign and could return to the team. Midfielder Gerson, who hasn't played since September last year, reappeared at Flamengo, now 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 established leader of the Brasileirão's 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 again since then. Pedro's best player had many chances to wear the Seleção shirt again.
Another name that has a great chance of appearing on the list is Paulinho, Atlético-MG striker. Galo's number 10 is having another great season in Brazilian football, with 14 goals and 4 assists so far. Best player in last year's Brasileirão, Paulinho could be an option for the Brazilian attack and have the opportunity to return to the Brazilian team.
It remains to be seen whether the invitation of the names of Brazilian football players will increase the confidence of Brazilian fans in Amarelinha. According to Felipe Pereira, editorial director of the betting website BonusdeApostas.com, “inviting Brazilian players can encourage Brazilian clubs to compete for the Seleção, but everything depends on the success of the team on the field”.
FIFA Date and National Team Competition FIFA Date September takes place between the 2nd and 10th, with matches against Ecuador, in Curitiba, and Paraguay, in Asunción. Brazil needs to gain points to return to the Qualifiers and guarantee a good place for the 2026 World Cup. The absence of the Brasileirão, the Copa do Brasil and the Libertadores at this time helps to invite players to play in Brazil, as they will be available. there must be no conflict of interest with the clubs.
The first match will be against Ecuador, on September 6th, at the Couto Pereira Stadium, in Curitiba. Ecuador is on the rise in international competition and promises to be a difficult opponent for the Brazilian team. Four days later, Brazil faces Paraguay, at the Stadio Defensores del Chaco, in Asunción.
After the disappointment in the Copa América, the coach wants to improve the team with players who can give the team new attacking and attacking skills. The support of Brasileirão athletes is not just a temporary solution, but it could also be the beginning of a new game in Brazilian football, which requires renewal and a deeper connection with the local situation.