Brazil call Ederson for World Cup amid Wesley thigh injury
Brazil have drafted in Manchester United-bound midfielder Ederson to replace injured defender Wesley for the 2026 World Cup. The 26-year-old replaces the 22-year-old Roma full-back after an MRI confirmed a left thigh adductor tear.
Brazil have called up Manchester United-bound midfielder Ederson to replace injured defender Wesley for the 2026 World Cup, a late but decisive move after the Roma full-back suffered a thigh injury in the final preparation match.
Wesley, 22, left the field in tears after just 15 minutes of Brazil’s 2-1 win over Egypt in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 6. The scan revealed a muscle injury to his left adductor, forcing the Brazilian Football Confederation to act swiftly. Ederson, 26, will now join the squad in the United States on Monday, less than a week before their Group C opener against Morocco in New York.
Key Points
- ⚡ Wesley’s injury forces Brazil to reshuffle defensive plans
- 🔄 Ederson replaces the Roma full-back after a late MRI confirmation
- 🌍 Brazil’s Group C campaign begins against Morocco on June 14
Ederson’s inclusion comes as Brazil finalize their squad for the tournament, where they aim to secure a record sixth World Cup title. The move also aligns with United’s reported £35 million agreement with Atalanta for his transfer, expected to be completed after the tournament in early July. Ederson has earned three caps for Brazil, with his last appearance coming in March 2025.
| Player | Club | Position | World Cup Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ederson | Manchester United | Midfielder | Called up |
| Wesley | Roma | Defender | Ruled out |
Brazil’s technical staff, led by Carlo Ancelotti, now face a tactical shift with Ederson slotting into the midfield. The team’s opening fixture against Morocco at MetLife Stadium on Saturday marks the start of a challenging group that also includes Haiti and Scotland. Brazil’s preparation was far from smooth, with their initial match against Panama ending in a 6-2 rout in Rio de Janeiro, while Haiti fell 2-1 to Peru in their warm-up.
💡 Pro Tip
Teams must have contingency plans for last-minute injuries, especially in high-stakes tournaments where squad depth can dictate momentum.
Ancelotti’s side showed resilience in their final warm-up, overcoming an early deficit against Egypt to secure a narrow victory. The Italian manager praised his team’s intensity and organization, though the injury to Wesley underscores the unpredictability of tournament football. Morocco, meanwhile, will face Norway in their final preparation match before taking on Brazil in what could be a crucial Group C opener.
📋 By The Numbers
- 15 minutes — Time Wesley played before sustaining his injury
- £35 million — Fee agreed for Ederson’s transfer to Manchester United
- 6 — World Cup titles Brazil are chasing to extend their record
The CBF has expressed regret over Wesley’s injury but confirmed he will remain part of the squad’s support network as Brazil pursue glory. The tournament kicks off on June 11, with Brazil’s campaign unfolding under intense scrutiny and heightened expectations.