Striker Luiz Henrique, one of Botafogo's highlights (Photo: Vitor Silva/Botafogo) The Brazilian team, led by coach Dorival Júnior, is preparing to face a new challenge in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, next Friday ( 16), the list. The list of teams for the matches against Ecuador and Paraguay will be released, and it is expected to bring news. With the main leagues in Europe (Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue One) still returning from vacation, the tendency is for the coach to select players who play in the Brazilian Championship, taking advantage of the good moment and physical condition of some players who play in the country.
Since being expelled from the Copa América by Uruguay, Dorival Júnior has insisted that he continues to monitor the performance of the players competing in the Brasileirão. In the months of June and July, the continental tournaments started the season late, leaving many players with the necessary speed to compete in the Qualifiers duels. Dorival Júnior, therefore, sees the Brasileirão players as an opportunity to form a competitive team.
Among the names that may appear on Dorival's list, one of the most mentioned is Luiz Henrique, from Botafogo. The young striker is one of the highlights of the Brazilian Championship, having scored 14 goals in a row (7 goals and 7 assists) this season. He was already a starter at the Copa América and now has a good chance of being called up for the games against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Another name that has aroused interest is that of Matheus Pereira, Cruzeiro midfielder. With 9 goals and 12 assists this season, the number 10 of the Minas Gerais team has established himself as one of the best players in the Brasileirão. Creativity in midfield, something that the Seleção lacked during the Copa América, could be a fundamental asset for Dorival Júnior, who is looking for another way to strengthen the team's attack.
Flamengo promises to be a Brazilian team that is sorely missed and with players called up by Brazil. The team, which already had players called up for Dorival's first squad, will be able to see its main players called up again. Defender Fabrício Bruno, midfielder Gerson and midfielder Pedro are on Dorival Júnior's radar for the matches on September 6th and 10th.
Defender Fabrício Bruno, who played friendlies against England and Spain in March, continues to perform well and could return to the squad. Midfielder Gerson, who has not been called up since September last year, reappeared at Flamengo, now as the club's coach. It is another name that could appear on Dorival's list, confirming the Brazilian team.
Pedro, football's top scorer with 29 goals this season and the only top scorer in the Brasileirão with 10 goals, is one of the favorites to take on the central striker 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 first season gave him 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. Number 10 Galo is having another great season in Brazilian football, with 14 goals and 4 assists so far. Top scorer in last year's Brasileirão, Paulinho could be the key to Brazil's attack and have the chance to return to the Brazilian team.
It remains to be seen whether the call-up of names who play in Brazilian football will increase the confidence of Brazilians in Amarelinha. According to Felipe Pereira, director of the website BonusdeApostas.com, which specializes in betting, “calling up Brazilian players can encourage fans of Brazilian teams to bet on the Seleção, but everything will depend on the team that makes the move within”. the stadium.”
FIFA dates and national team restrictions FIFA dates from September 2nd to 10th, games against Ecuador, in Curitiba, and Paraguay, in Asunción. Brazil needs to gain points to return to the Qualifiers and guarantee a good position towards the 2026 World Cup. The fact that the Brasileirão, Copa do Brasil and Libertadores games are currently in call for players to play in Brazil, because there will be no conflict. meetings with teams.
The first challenge will be against Ecuador, on September 6th, at the Couto Pereira Stadium, in Curitiba. Ecuador advances in the international competition and promises to be a difficult opponent for the Brazilian team. Four days later, Brazil faces Paraguay, at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium, in Asunción.
After the disappointment in the Copa América, the coach wants to renew the team with players who can give a new technical and tactical approach to the team. The inclusion of Brasileirão players is not just a short-term solution, but could be the beginning of a new game in Brazilian football, which needs to be updated and more in tune with what happens in the country's stadiums.