New Brazil coach calls 2 players in Saudi Arabia for 2026 World Cup qualifiers

At the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) in Rio de Janeiro, coach Fernando Diniz announced the squad list for the two qualifying matches of the 2026 World Cup against Bolivia on September 8 and Peru four days later.

Among these, the interim ruler of Selecao summoned four players playing in Brazil, including Bento from Athletico, Andre and Nino from Fluminense, Raphael Veiga from Palmeiras. Especially, the Saudi Arabia tournament also has 2 representatives, that is central defender Ibanez from Al Ahli and Neymar from Al Hilal.

Fernando Diniz is the interim coach of the Brazilian national team. The 49-year-old strategist will remain in charge until mid-2024 as the CBF awaits the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti, currently working at Real Madrid, to lead the team in the Copa America.

After that, coach Fernando Diniz mentioned the presence of Neymar. He revealed that he had spoken with the 31-year-old striker, thereby showing that Neymar was "very willing" to work with the new coaching staff.

“I spoke to him recently and he was very willing. It's incredibly gratifying to have the opportunity for us to make history here in the national team. You already know what I think of him, but I want to say it again, that he is a player that is difficult to find in other people. A rare talent in world football and deserves until the end of his career, because of the immense talent he has, to write the most beautiful chapter in his history. That for me has yet to be written down,” Diniz said.

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Athletico) and Ederson (Man City);

Full-backs: Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Caio Henrique (Monaco) and Renan Lodi (Marseille).

Central defenders: Ibanez (Al Ahli), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG) and Nino (Fluminense);

Midfielders: Andre (Fluminense), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Man United), Joelinton (Newcastle) and Raphael Veiga (Palmeiras);

Forwards: Antony (Man United), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Neymar (Al Hilal), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid) and Vini Jr (Real Madrid).