Brazil’s national team was left out of FIFA’s fan-voted 2026 World Cup All-Star Team, announced on Thursday, July 24 2026. Despite the Seleção’s strong run in the tournament, not a single Brazilian player made the 11-man XI.

Who made the cut?

The squad spans six nations and features a major surprise in Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who edged out more fancied rivals. He starred in the tiny African nation’s historic run to the Round of 16, remaining unbeaten in regulation time against tougher opponents. World champions Spain placed three players: midfielder Rodri and full-backs Pedro Porro and Cucurella. The back four also includes Argentina’s Lisandro Martínez and France’s Dayot Upamecano.

In midfield, alongside Rodri, England’s Jude Bellingham and France’s Michael Olise were voted in. Up front, the trio is Lionel Messi of Argentina, Kylian Mbappé of France and Norway’s Erling Haaland, the latter remembered for dragging his side to the quarter-finals. FIFA said the picks rewarded standout individual performances and deep tournament runs.

Why no Brazilians?

The omission stunned many fans, especially after the Seleção topped its group and reached the Round of 16. Brazil’s last outing ended in a 1-2 loss to Norway on July 5 2026, snapping a four-game winning streak. Recent form reads 4W-0D-1L over the last five matches (LWWWW, with the defeat first).

FIFA gave no breakdown of the vote, but the absence of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo or Endrick underscored the surprise. The body merely noted it had favoured players with eye-catching displays and decisive contributions to their teams.

What’s next for Brazil?

With the 2026 World Cup now over, the Seleção turns to its next fixtures. The next official game is scheduled for September 25 2026, an away clash with Australia. Until then, the coaching staff will keep training with an eye on the 2030 World Cup qualifiers, which kick off in 2027.

Missing the All-Star Team won’t derail the squad’s plans; the technical team remains confident in the group’s upward trajectory and eyes a direct berth at the next World Cup.