Brazil predicted squad for Copa America 2024: Projected final roster, player list with Neymar set to miss out

Brazil endured a difficult end to 2023 as they lost three consecutive 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including at home to world champions Argentina.

However, a win over England at Wembley Stadium and a thrilling draw with Spain during the March international break gave some new impetus to a group being led by Dorival Junior, who was confirmed as head coach in January this year.

Although Brazil are not quite at the level of previous major tournaments — for one thing, star forward Neymar is set to miss out with injury — they will still be one of the leading contenders for glory at this summer’s tournament in the United States.

With provisional squads for the finals set to be named in early May, we’ve had a go at predicting Brazil’s final roster, as they begin preparations for the start of the competition in June.

Brazil predicted squad for Copa America 2024

The Selecao will always be among those sides expected to win the Copa America. The nine-time champions may have endured a difficult run of form over the past year or so, but theirs is still a squad full of talent — including some young rising stars.

Who’s definitely in?

Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes would appear certainties to make the squad. Barcelona forward Raphinha and Tottenham striker Richarlison are also expected to be included after being picked by Dorival Junior for the March international friendlies with England and Spain.

West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta and Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes will be likely starters in midfield, alongside national-team captain Casemiro, who is expected to be in the squad despite difficulties for Manchester United this season.

In defence, Juventus centre-back Bremer, Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes and Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos are nailed on for the squad, as are goalkeepers Alisson and Ederson, assuming the latter has recovered from an injury suffered against Nottingham Forest with his club, Manchester City.

Whose place is at risk?

We know that star forward Neymar is not likely to be back playing again until around September this year, as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury.

Fulham’s Andreas Pereira was in the March squad but will face a battle to retain his place for these finals. Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is also far from a guaranteed part of the squad, having struggled for regular game time with the Gunners since returning from injury in February, while his team-mate Gabriel Martinelli faces stiff competition in the forward line.

Who could be a wildcard pick?

He’s not quite a wildcard any more, but Palmeiras’ teenage sensation Endrick could well be given his senior tournament debut after his famous match-winning cameo against England at Wembley.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro and Porto’s Pepe Aquino could also force their way into Brazil’s plans with some late-season form.

Predicted full Brazil squad for Copa America 2024

Here is our predicted Brazil squad for Copa America 2024.

Ages, caps are correct as of April 30, 2024.

Predicted lineup for Brazil’s first Copa America 2024 match

Brazil begin their Copa America 2024 campaign against Costa Rica on Monday, June 24 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The match is due to kick off at 7 p.m. ET.

Brazil projected starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Alisson (GK) — Danilo, Gabriel, Marquinhos, Carlos Augusto — Paqueta, Casemiro, Guimaraes — Raphinha, Richarlison, Vinicius Junior.

When is the Brazil squad announced for Copa America 2024?

While coaches can announce their squad whenever they like, the final 23-man roster has to be named before June 12, 2024, according to CONMEBOL’s official rules.

Brazil Copa America 2024 fixtures