Brazil's right back Wesley was ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after sustaining a left thigh adductor muscle injury in a friendly match against Egypt on June 6, 2026. The 22-year-old AS Roma defender left the game after just 15 minutes in tears, and an MRI scan confirmed the injury, the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) said. "Wesley is a player much loved by the squad and will always be considered part of this team as it seeks to win its sixth World Cup title," the CBF added [1, 2, 3, 4].
Wesley was the only specialist right back in Brazil's 26-man squad. To cover his absence, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti plans to deploy versatile centerbacks Danilo and Ibanez in the right back position. Ancelotti praised the team's performance in the Egypt match, saying, "I think the team played well, played with intensity, with rhythm, with good organisation, a lot of intensity in the pressing" [1, 2, 3].
Manchester United-bound Ederson was called up as Wesley's replacement. The 26-year-old midfielder, currently with Atalanta, has been capped three times by Brazil, last playing in March 2025. He is expected to join the Brazilian squad in the United States on June 8, 2026. Ederson's transfer to Manchester United is set to finalize in early July for a reported base fee of £35 million plus £3.8 million in additional fees [1, 2, 3, 4].
Ederson is the first Brazilian player in 20 years to receive a World Cup call-up as an injury replacement. Brazil also faces absences from other players including Militão, Rodrygo, and Estevão, who are ruled out of the tournament [4]. On June 8, Brazil star Neymar underwent an MRI scan to evaluate a right calf grade 2 muscle strain, raising further fitness concerns [4].
Brazil will begin their Group C World Cup campaign against Morocco in New York on June 13, followed by matches versus Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia and Scotland on June 24 in Miami [2]. Ederson’s arrival on June 8 will allow Brazil to integrate their replacement before kickoff.
