Bruno Guimarães

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Bruno Guimarães Poised for Key Role in Brazil's 2026 FIFA World Cup Campaign

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Bruno Guimarães, currently 28 years old, is widely expected to be a pivotal figure in the Brazilian national team under coach Carlo Ancelotti. His consistent strong performances for Newcastle United and his established position within the Seleção's midfield make him a near certainty for the squad, with many anticipating a starting role.

Current Form and Club Importance (2025-2026 Season):

Bruno Guimarães continues to be a central and indispensable player for Newcastle United. In the 2025-2026 Premier League season, he has already registered 6 goals and 4 assists across 31 appearances, playing 2572 minutes. His influence extends beyond statistics, as he is considered the "engine" of Newcastle's midfield, dictating tempo, controlling possession, and seamlessly transitioning between defense and attack. He is also part of the club's leadership group and captained the team to a League Cup victory in March 2025, lifting Newcastle's first domestic trophy in 70 years. His consistent performances and leadership have earned him praise from manager Eddie Howe, who highlights his "quality and character" as setting the standard for the squad.

Brazilian National Team Involvement and Role under Carlo Ancelotti:

Guimarães has been a regular for the Brazilian national team since his senior debut in November 2020 and was part of the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Under new manager Carlo Ancelotti, Guimarães' importance has become even more pronounced. He has started all seven matches since Ancelotti took charge in June 2025, often playing the full game and excelling in both defensive and attacking aspects. Ancelotti reportedly views Guimarães as a "crucial piece in building a modern, flexible Brazilian team" and one of the "guaranteed stars" in the 2026 World Cup squad.

In Ancelotti's tactical setup, Guimarães is expected to take on a creative midfield role, responsible for controlling possession, linking defense to attack, and providing structure. He is seen as forming a crucial partnership with Casemiro in a midfield pivot, balancing defensive solidity with attacking impetus. This partnership is considered "undroppable" and vital for controlling tempo and defensive stability. Guimarães himself has noted Ancelotti's positive impact, stating that the coach has "fixed the main issue" of conceding too many goals and has brought confidence and organization to the team.

Midfield Competition:

While Guimarães and Casemiro appear to be key components, Brazil boasts a talented midfield pool. Other notable options for the Seleção include Lucas Paqueta, Fabinho, Andrey Santos, Douglas Luiz, Gerson, Arthur Melo, and Ederson. Lucas Paqueta, in particular, is highlighted as a very solid option who performed well in the 2022 World Cup and could be a key man in transitioning from defense to attack under Ancelotti. Young talents like Andrey Santos are also emerging and could provide depth.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Prospects:

Given his consistent elite-level performances for Newcastle and his central role in Carlo Ancelotti's early Brazil squads, Bruno Guimarães' prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup appear very strong. He is not only expected to be in the squad but is also projected to be a starting midfielder, playing a critical role in controlling games and providing both defensive and creative contributions. His all-round dynamic midfield play, leadership qualities, and tactical intelligence align well with Ancelotti's philosophy, positioning him as a vital asset for Brazil's ambition to break their World Cup drought.