Brazil HubThe Brazilian national team coach called up goalkeeper Weverton, from Grêmio, for the 2026 World Cup, confirming a historical tradition: Brazil has never won a World Cup without at least one goalkeeper playing for a Brazilian club in the competition.
The call-up and the competition for a spot
Weverton was chosen among the goalkeepers playing in Brazilian football to join the group. Bento, who plays for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, was left out of the final list.
Alisson and Ederson complete the trio
The other two goalkeepers called up play in the English Premier League. Alisson plays for Liverpool and Ederson for Manchester City. Weverton, therefore, will be the only one of the three with an active presence in the Brazilian Championship during the tournament.
The historical data behind the call-up
In all five World Cups won by Brazil — 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002 — there was at least one called-up goalkeeper playing for a Brazilian club.
| Year | Goalkeeper |
|---|---|
| 1958 | Gilmar |
| 1962 | Gilmar |
| 1970 | Félix |
| 1994 | Taffarel |
| 2002 | Marcos |
Weverton at Grêmio
The goalkeeper is an absolute starter at Grêmio and has played a consistent role in the 2026 Brazilian Championship. The regularity at the Gaúcho club was decisive for the national team coach to prefer him over Bento, who faces a lower level of competition in Saudi football.
Impact of the call-up on the national scene
Weverton's presence values Brazilian football on the international scene and signals that the Brazilian Championship is still a sufficient showcase to project athletes to the main national team. Grêmio, on the other hand, will have its main asset stopped during the World Cup period, which impacts the club's planning for the second half of the year.
