Brazil media leak Bruno Guimaraes decision as Newcastle United watch on ahead of huge summer
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes is hoping to win the 2026 World Cup with Brazil this summer.
Newcastle United duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have been named in Brazil’s provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The initial squad includes 55 players but will be cut down to 26 for the final official squad announcement next week.
Joelinton has missed out on the last two Brazil squads while Guimaraes was ruled out of the March international break due to injury.
The final World Cup squad for Brazil will be announced on May 18.
Bruno Guimaraes ready to ‘die on the pitch’ for Brazil this summer
After returning to fitness at Newcastle, Guimaraes is set to be included in Brazil’s final 26-man squad.
The Newcastle captain represented Brazil in the last World Cup in 2022 and has missed only a handful of matches for his country since then, mainly due to injury or suspension.
Leading Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte confirmed Guimaraes as one of the 55 players included in Brazil’s provisional World Cup squad list. Joelinton has also been listed.
And Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti previously highlighted Guimaraes’ importance to the national team.
“Bruno is a very important player for the team, complete, he can play in different positions on the field,” he said last year.
“I like him a lot because he works hard, a very complete player, I don't say that he is essential and cannot be dispensed with, but he is very important for the national team.”
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Looking ahead to the World Cup, Guimaraes told Globo Esporte: “Being Brazilian, we believe in everything.
“We always have to believe and we’ve already shown it’s possible. We see great players in great form. You know what a World Cup is like, it’s a short competition. The support from fans, the energy, the positive messages, it all helps. And we believe until the end.
“If it depends on us players. Like I said, for me it’s like it’s the last meal. I will give my life for it. If I have to die on the pitch for Brazil, I will. Because this has always been my biggest dream – to wear the Brazil shirt at a World Cup. If we can become champions, which I truly believe, it will be unforgettable.
“It’s something we have to pay a lot of attention to. I see the first game as fundamental. Starting well, getting three points, builds confidence. For me, the opening match is the key game in the group.”
Joelinton hoping to break into Brazil squad again
Unlike Guimaraes, Joelinton is yet to represent Brazil at a major tournament and this summer could be his last realistic opportunity to feature at a World Cup.
The Newcastle No. 7 has been capped eight times by Brazil, scoring once. But his only cap under Ancelotti came off the bench in a 3-2 defeat against Japan last October.