Gabriel Sara named in Ancelotti's preliminary Brazil squad

The 26-year-old midfielder is being considered for the upcoming Brazil friendlies against France and Croatia.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:20pm

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With less than 100 days until the 2026 World Cup, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has included Gabriel Sara in his preliminary squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. The 26-year-old Galatasaray midfielder has impressed this season with 3 assists and 6 goals, and was a starter in Galatasaray's recent Champions League win over Liverpool.

Why it matters

Ancelotti is still evaluating options for Brazil's midfield ahead of the World Cup, with the spot left by the injured Bruno Guimarães up for grabs. Sara's inclusion in the preliminary squad suggests he is firmly in contention for a place in the final World Cup roster.

The details

Other midfielders like Gerson, Jean Lucas, Joelinton, André, and João Gomes were also tested by Ancelotti but did not convince the Italian coach. Sara has emerged as a leading candidate to fill the void left by Guimarães' injury at Newcastle.

  • Ancelotti will announce the final squad for the France and Croatia friendlies on March 16, 2026.
  • The Brazil friendlies will be played on March 26 and 31, 2026 in Boston and Orlando respectively.

The players

Carlo Ancelotti

The head coach of the Brazilian national team, searching for players to make up the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Gabriel Sara

A 26-year-old midfielder playing for Galatasaray, who has been included in Ancelotti's preliminary Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies.

Bruno Guimarães

The Newcastle midfielder who is injured and has left a spot open in Brazil's midfield for the World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“With less than 100 days to go before the 2026 World Cup, coach Carlo Ancelotti is still searching for names to make up the squad that will try for a sixth title in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.”

— Cahê Mota, Journalist

What’s next

Ancelotti will announce the final 26-man squad for the Brazil friendlies against France and Croatia on March 16, 2026.

The takeaway

As Brazil prepares for the 2026 World Cup, coach Carlo Ancelotti is still evaluating options for his midfield, with the 26-year-old Gabriel Sara emerging as a leading candidate to fill the void left by the injured Bruno Guimarães. Sara's inclusion in the preliminary squad suggests he is firmly in contention for a place in Brazil's final World Cup roster.