Neymar, Coutinho among 15 players named to Brazil's World Cup squad
Brazil head coach Tite has boldly guaranteed World Cup places for 15 internationals, with Neymar, Philippe Coutinho, and Dani Alves among the chosen few.
In an unconventional move Friday - months before the start of the tournament in Russia - Tite revealed the names to Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte.
That means only eight berths remain up for grabs.
The list consists of the following:
- Alves (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)
- Fernandinho (Manchester City)
- Marcelo (Real Madrid)
- Casemiro (Real Madrid)
- Paulinho (Barcelona)
- Coutinho (Barcelona)
- Miranda (Inter)
- Willian (Chelsea)
- Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
- Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan)
- Alisson (Roma)
With Tite favouring a 4-3-3 formation, Firmino, Willian, and Thiago Silva appear the likeliest from that group to drop to the bench.
A talented collection of players will vie for the last few openings, including City goalkeeper Ederson, Chelsea's David Luiz, and Tottenham's Lucas Moura.
Brazil was the first team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after sweeping through South American qualifying. The five-time winner amassed 41 points in 18 qualifiers to finish first in the CONMEBOL standings.