Rodrygo and Éder Militão Mark Strong Returns to Brazil's National Team Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Brazil's Rodrygo and Éder Militão make impactful returns to the national team, preparing under Ancelotti for the 2026 World Cup after overcoming significant setbacks.
- • Rodrygo returns to the Brazilian team in his best form, ready to compete under Ancelotti.
- • Éder Militão recovers from two major knee injuries and over 90 missed matches, contemplating retirement before comeback.
- • Both players are part of a 26-member squad preparing for friendlies against South Korea and Japan ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
- • Ancelotti’s coaching is credited by both players for their career development and recovery support.
Key details
Brazil's national football team is set to benefit from the returns of key players Rodrygo and Éder Militão as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup under coach Carlo Ancelotti. Both players have come back after significant periods away from the squad due to personal and physical challenges.
Rodrygo, who has played 33 matches and scored seven goals since his 2019 debut, returned to the Seleção after a long absence. Speaking about his comeback, he described himself as being in his "best version" and highlighted his readiness to contribute positively. Rodrygo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Ancelotti again, crediting the coach for his career growth at Real Madrid. However, he emphasized that no player is guaranteed a spot for the upcoming World Cup, underscoring the need for consistent performance at club and national levels. He is part of a 26-player squad that includes stars like Ederson, Casemiro, and Vinicius Jr., preparing to face South Korea and Japan in friendly matches as part of their World Cup build-up strategy (ID: 92011).
Éder Militão, the 27-year-old defender also from Real Madrid, made a remarkable return after being sidelined for over a year because of two anterior cruciate ligament injuries, undergoing surgeries on each knee. Militão missed 94 matches during his recovery and admitted to considering retirement due to the physical and emotional toll. "Many things went through my mind... but with the help of my wife, daughter, and teammates, I am here today to play well," he stated in a press conference in South Korea. He highlighted the importance of family support and faith during his rehabilitation. Militão returned to play for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup in June and has been slowly regaining his position in Ancelotti's team. He spoke highly of Ancelotti's role in his recovery and development, noting the coach’s positive impact on both him and the entire national team. Militão is determined to secure his place through strong performances for club and country (IDs: 92013, 92031).
The upcoming friendlies against South Korea (October 10) and Japan (October 14) will test the squad's preparedness and adaptability against different football styles, serving as crucial steps in Brazil's meticulous preparation for the next World Cup. Coach Ancelotti’s leadership and the reintegration of players like Rodrygo and Militão are seen as pivotal elements in Brazil's strategy to assert their traditional football dominance on the global stage.