Story by
Carlo Ancelotti Calls Up Ederson to Replace Injured Wesley for Brazil's World Cup Squad
- Story by
- Carlo Ancelotti Calls Up Ederson to Replace Injured Wesley for Brazil's World Cup Squad
Wesley had barely been on the field 15 minutes when Brazil 's World Cup preparations took a difficult turn. The 22-year-old Roma defender went down clutching his left groin during Brazil's 2-1 warm-up win over Egypt , visibly emotional as he was helped off.
Ancelotti confirmed afterward that Wesley would undergo tests, and the country held its breath waiting for results. But the news that came back wasn't good.
Advertisement
An MRI scan confirmed a muscle injury to the adductor in his left thigh, ruling Wesley out of the 2026 World Cup entirely. It was a brutal outcome for a young player who had been expected to start at right-back for Brazil when the tournament gets underway.
Brazil defender Wesley (2) against France at Gillette Stadium.Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Brazil moved fast and on Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti is already ready with a replacement, per Fabrizio Romano.
Brazil Call Up Ederson as Wesley Replacement for 2026 World Cup Squad
Atalanta midfielder Ederson received the call-up, joining Ancelotti's 26-man roster in Wesley's place. The 26-year-old has earned three caps for Brazil and is set to link up with the squad in the United States on Monday.
Advertisement
His inclusion comes at an interesting moment given he's also on the verge of completing a move to Manchester United . The two clubs have agreed on a deal worth a fixed €40.5 million with an additional €4.5 million in performance-related bonuses.
With Wesley out, Ancelotti now has decisions to make at right-back. Two names stand out. Danilo , the former Manchester City veteran, brings experience and respect within the squad but turns 35 during the tournament and has been more of a rotational piece at Flamengo than a regular starter.
Advertisement
Roger Ibanez is the other option, a center-back by trade whose recovery speed and mobility make him a viable fill-in at full-back.
Ederson's arrival also helps Ancelotti on the tactical side. Brazil's preferred shape remains a 4-2-4 but there's been growing interest in shifting to a three-man midfield against tougher opposition. Having Ederson available gives the coaching staff the flexibility to make that switch without being stretched thin elsewhere.
Wesley's absence surely stings. But Brazil have responded quickly and Ancelotti now has more options heading into the World Cup than he did a week ago.
Advertisement
Related: Kylian Mbappe Makes Stance Clear on Lionel Messi And Cristiano Ronaldo's Rivalry
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
