Carlo Ancelotti finds himself navigating a growing obstacle course as Brazil’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue to unravel. The Italian manager will be without Éder Militão, whose tournament hopes are over after a fresh setback.

The Real Madrid center back’s season could hardly have ended in more frustrating fashion. After months of rehabilitation, Militão had finally returned to action following a serious injury. But with fewer than 50 days remaining before the World Cup kicks off, he has suffered a relapse involving his hamstring, ruling him out of contention.

Militão: A key absence for Brazil’s defensive core

Brazil had been counting on the 28-year-old as a central figure in their defensive structure. He is widely regarded as one of the team’s most important players and has consistently been a standout at Real Madrid when fit, despite recurring injury problems.

His latest setback places him alongside Vitor Roque and Rodrygo among Brazil’s most significant absences heading into the tournament. Estêvão remains a potential addition, but his availability depends on Chelsea and the Brazilian national team reaching an agreement on his recovery plan. Chelsea prefer the process to take place in London, while the player and his camp want it handled in Brazil.

Defensive experimentation under Ancelotti

Ancelotti is now forced to continue testing tactical solutions. During the last international window, he experimented with an alternative defensive setup in friendlies against France and Croatia, but the results fell short of expectations.

Brazil showed clear defensive vulnerabilities. Both Bento and Ederson were exposed in goal, while Bremer and Leo Pereira started against France, which featured Kylian Mbappé. Marquinhos later replaced the Juventus defender to partner Pereira against Croatia. While there was some improvement in performance, Brazil still lack the defensive solidity expected from a team targeting the World Cup title.

Goalkeeper uncertainty and Liverpool’s Alisson situation

Another ongoing question is Alisson Becker’s fitness. The Liverpool goalkeeper appears to have recovered from injury, as confirmed by Arne Slot in a recent press conference. However, those close to the player insist his sole focus is the World Cup.

As a result, Alisson is expected to avoid any unnecessary risks with Liverpool between now and the tournament.

Rodrygo and Vitor Roque add attacking concerns

Brazil’s problems are not limited to defense. Vitor Roque’s injury removes another attacking option from Ancelotti’s squad. The forward will undergo surgery and is expected to miss around two months.

While he was never guaranteed a starting role at the World Cup, “Tigrinho” had been viewed as an important impact player off the bench. Rodrygo’s absence is another blow, even though he was not expected to play a leading role in Ancelotti’s system.

A race against time for Brazil

With just over a month and a half remaining, Brazil must now construct a system that is both effective and compelling. The goal is twofold: excite supporters and deliver a strong World Cup campaign.

Time is not on their side, but Ancelotti has built a reputation for adaptability throughout his career. Now, he faces one of his most demanding challenges yet as he attempts to stabilize Brazil before the tournament begins.

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