As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Brazil’s assistant coach, Davide Ancelotti, has identified Chelsea's 18-year-old winger, Estevao Willian, as one of the potential surprise players for the upcoming tournament. Ancelotti, who is joining his father Carlo’s coaching staff for Brazil, highlighted Estevao as a rising talent to watch closely, especially as the team prepares for their World Cup campaign in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Estevao: A Rising Star for Brazil
Estevao Willian, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in a high-profile transfer worth £29 million, has been showing promise in his young career. The teenager has already made an impact, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 34 appearances for the Premier League club. Though he missed Brazil's recent friendlies against France and Croatia due to a hamstring injury, Estevao made his presence known in Chelsea’s dominant 7-0 FA Cup win over Port Vale. Ancelotti, who is no stranger to elite talent, has expressed confidence in Estevao’s potential, describing him as a "really big talent" who is a strong finisher. With the World Cup just around the corner, Estevao’s performances could very well secure him a spot in the final squad.
The Neymar Dilemma: Will He Make It to the World Cup?
One of the most pressing questions surrounding Brazil’s World Cup squad is the future of Neymar. The 33-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has had his fair share of struggles with injuries, leading to doubts about his participation in the upcoming tournament. Ancelotti acknowledged Neymar’s status as Brazil's all-time top scorer but stressed that the final World Cup roster will depend on the player’s fitness and form leading up to the event. As Neymar continues to recover from injuries and play for his boyhood club Santos, his chances of making the squad remain uncertain. However, Ancelotti remains hopeful that Neymar will have an opportunity to showcase his abilities before the final selection.
Vinicius Jr.: A Player to Watch
While Neymar’s future remains in question, one player who will certainly be at the forefront of Brazil’s World Cup campaign is Vinicius Jr. The Real Madrid forward has been in exceptional form, with 11 goals in La Liga and five goals in the Champions League this season. Ancelotti described Vinicius as one of the most talented players in the world, capable of carrying the weight of Brazil’s World Cup hopes. However, Vinicius has also faced discrimination and abuse in Spain, which has added an extra layer of challenge to his career. Despite these setbacks, Ancelotti believes that with the guidance of his father, Vinicius can continue to improve and shine at the World Cup.
Brazil's World Cup Preparation and Expectations
As Brazil looks to bounce back from a long wait for World Cup glory, Ancelotti remains optimistic about the team's prospects. With a blend of experience and emerging talents like Estevao and Vinicius Jr., Brazil is gearing up for a competitive World Cup. However, Ancelotti emphasized the physical demands of the tournament, especially with players coming off a grueling season of over 60 matches. The weather in the host cities will also play a critical role, and Brazil's coaching staff will focus on keeping players in peak physical condition. Ancelotti is confident that Brazil has a team capable of playing effective and attractive football, ready to compete on the global stage. The team's journey will begin on June 13 against Morocco, followed by matches against Scotland and Haiti in Group C.
