MORRISTOWN, N.J. — With less than seven days remaining until Brazil kicks off its 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage campaign against Morocco, the South American powerhouse has been forced to implement a last-minute injury-induced adjustment to its 26-player squad. Veteran right back Wesley has been withdrawn from the roster, with 26-year-old midfielder Éderson tapped as his official replacement, the Brazilian Football Confederation announced Sunday.
The injury occurred during Brazil’s pre-tournament friendly against Egypt held in Cleveland Saturday night. Wesley was forced to leave the pitch early in the contest after suffering a muscle strain in his left thigh. Follow-up diagnostic imaging confirmed the damage was severe enough to rule the defender out of the entire World Cup, ending his bid to compete for soccer’s most prestigious global prize before the tournament even officially began.
In a public statement confirming the roster change, the confederation highlighted the popular defender’s standing within the national team setup: “Wesley is an athlete deeply loved by every member of this group, and he will always remain a part of this squad that is chasing Brazil’s sixth World Cup title.”
Éderson is already en route to Brazil’s U.S.-based training camp to link up with his teammates ahead of the opening match. Brazil is scheduled to play its first group stage fixture this coming Saturday at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just a short distance from the announcement’s location in Morristown.
This late roster change is not the only injury concern plaguing Brazil’s pre-tournament preparations. Star forward Neymar, the 34-year-old attacking talisman, remains sidelined with a nagging calf injury and did not travel with the rest of the squad for the Cleveland friendly against Egypt. The team has not yet released an update on whether Neymar will be fit enough to feature in the tournament opener against Morocco.