Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Monday, 08 June 2026, 14:31 / Updated Monday, 08 June 2026 14:31
Brazil's right back, Wesley Franca (22), started in Saturday's friendly match against Egypt (2-1), but coach Carlo Ancelotti replaced him after only 17 minutes of play, injured.
The defender of AS Roma was subsequently subjected to a thorough medical examination, and the MRI scan revealed a muscle injury in the left thigh. Injury that will keep him sidelined for several weeks, so Ancelotti had to react promptly.
Carlo Ancelotti replaced Wesley Franca with Ederson
Ederson, from Atalanta, the player summoned by Carlo Ancelotti instead of Wesley / Photo: Imago
“It's a shame that Wesley got injured. But we have players who can replace him,” the Italian coach told Brazilian journalists, with the Rio Federation (CBF) posting: “Wesley is a popular player in the national team and will always be considered part of this team, which is aiming for a sixth World Cup title.
In view of the diagnosis, the Brazilian Football Confederation announces the call-up of player Éderson, who will join us on Monday in the United States.” Éderson (26/Atalanta Bergamo) has only played three international matches in his career and has not been part of the Brazil squad in recent months!
“I face this moment as I have faced all others: with my head held high”
Wesley later reacted on social media. “It hurts me not to be able to wear the shirt of the Brazilian national team. Those who know my story know that giving up is not an option.
Wesley Franca posted on Instagram after receiving the news that he will not be able to play in the 2026 World Cup
I face this moment as I have faced all the others: with my head held high, with trust in God and with the certainty that I will come back even stronger. Getting back up has always been my greatest strength“, the 22-year-old defender wrote on Instagram.
BRAZIL'S OFFICIAL TEAM FOR THE 2026 WORLD CUP
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe) and Weverton (Gremio).
defense: Danilo (Flamengo), Ederson (Atalanta), Marquinhos (Paris Saint Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibáñez (Al Ahli), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit).
Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Paquetá (Flamengo).
Forward: Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) and Endrick (Olympique de Lyon).
