Manchester United-bound Ederson replaces injured Brazil defender Wesley for 2026 World Cup

Brazil called up Manchester United midfielder Ederson to replace injured defender Wesley for the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil squad update Brazil defender Wesley has withdrawn from the 2026 World Cup squad due to a thigh injury, prompting a late replacement. Manchester United-bound midfielder Ederson has been added to the squad in his place. Wesley left the field in tears during Brazil’s final warm-up match against Egypt, which ended 2-1. A medical scan confirmed a muscle injury to his left thigh adductor. ## Club and injury details The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that Wesley suffered an adductor muscle injury in his left thigh. The CBF stated that Wesley remains a valued member of the team despite the setback. The federation expressed regret over the injury while acknowledging his importance to the squad’s World Cup ambitions. Wesley won seven caps for Brazil before the injury. ## Ederson's inclusion Manchester United-bound midfielder Ederson is set to join Brazil’s World Cup squad in the United States on Monday. The 26-year-old earned his third and most recent international cap in March 2025. Ederson is expected to finalize his transfer to Manchester United in early July after a £35 million deal was agreed with Atalanta. His addition strengthens Brazil’s midfield options ahead of the tournament. ## Brazil's warm-up match Brazil started their World Cup preparations with a 2-1 victory over Egypt in their final tune-up game. Bruno Guimarães opened the scoring for Brazil in the seventh minute after Mohanad Lashin was dispossessed near his own penalty area. An underhit backpass by Marquinhos allowed Mostafa Zico to equalize for Egypt just four minutes later. Endrick scored the winning goal after half-time, converting Raphinha’s cutback into the far corner. ## Coach's assessment Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti described his team’s performance as satisfying, highlighting their intensity, rhythm, and organization. He praised the team’s pressing and overall display in a 6-2 win over Panama last weekend. Ancelotti made eight changes at halftime to manage squad rotation. Brazil’s next opponents in Group C are Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. ## Group stage schedule Brazil begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on Saturday in New York. Their second group match is scheduled for June 19 in Philadelphia against Haiti. Brazil will face Scotland on June 24 in Miami to complete their Group C fixtures. Morocco and Haiti are also in Group C, with Peru defeating Haiti 2-1 in a warm-up match. Norway will conclude their preparations against Morocco on Sunday evening at 20:00 BST.