Endrick’s harsh World Cup reality

The final casting call for Brazil’s frontline began against France - or rather, with Carlo Ancelotti’s squad list for the March international break. The Italian manager has multiple options to fill out his attack, but not everyone will fit on a roster that already includes several near‑guaranteed names for Brazil’s World Cup plans.

Endrick is one of the players entering the final sprint to convince the Seleção boss. His time at Lyon has had ups and downs, with minutes and experience slowly building in France, but his luck with the national team has been very different. The last time he played for Brazil came almost a year ago, in March 2025, when he logged 45 minutes against Argentina in South American World Cup qualifying - a 4-1 defeat.

Endrick unused against France

Endrick’s return to international duty did not come with a flourish. Nor did it resemble his eye‑catching early outings against England or Spain, where he dominated headlines. Against France, the Taguatinga‑born forward watched Brazil fall 2-1 on American soil - in the very country where he hopes to be this summer for the World Cup, and, coincidentally, against the nation where he currently plays his club soccer.

Ancelotti didn’t call on Lyon’s No. 9 this time. Endrick spent the entire match on the bench, watching fellow substitutes Luiz Henrique, João Pedro and Igor Thiago get on the field ahead of him. Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Júnior also featured - all of them more established options in the Italian’s eyes. Not even the possibility of deploying him out wide, something Lyon has done on occasion, opened a door for him.

Will Endrick play against Croatia?

Rayan, making his first appearance in a senior Brazil squad, was the only other forward who remained unused at Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium. Endrick’s zero minutes could change against Croatia in Brazil’s second friendly before Ancelotti submits his final World Cup list at the end of May. But breaking into Brazil’s attack is a monumental exam - even with the spot opened by Rodrygo Goes’ serious injury.

Endrick’s last goal for the Seleção came in June 2024, at the height of a meteoric rise that looked capable of shattering every age record in international soccer. At 19, surrounded by the same enormous expectations and facing a familiar competitive environment - one he has already experienced at Real Madrid - the challenge is clear: he must convince Ancelotti.

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