Gabriel Martinelli

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Gabriel Martinelli's FIFA World Cup 2026 Prospects: Analysis and Latest News

Gabriel Martinelli's prospects for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the Brazilian national team appear promising, propelled by his strong club form and Brazil's tactical evolution under coach Carlo Ancelotti. However, he faces significant competition in a star-studded attacking lineup and must maintain fitness to secure his spot.

Current Form and Performance (2025-2026 Season)

For the 2025-2026 Premier League season, Gabriel Martinelli has made 14 appearances and scored 1 goal. His overall goal involvement stands at 0.22 per 90 minutes. In the Champions League, he has accumulated 294 minutes of play. Throughout his career, excluding club and international friendlies, Martinelli has played 292 matches, scoring 66 goals and providing 33 assists. He has been a pivotal player for Arsenal, contributing crucial goals in various competitions.

Injury Update

As of late December 2025, Martinelli suffered a knock during Arsenal's Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace. While he initially continued playing, he was substituted in the second half due to discomfort. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta downplayed the severity of the injury, describing it as "more of a knock" and indicated he was a doubt for the subsequent Premier League fixture against Brighton. Earlier in March 2025, Martinelli had a hamstring issue, with an expected return by the end of March. However, the latest injury in December 2025 seems to be less severe, with hopes for a swift return in January 2026.

Brazil National Team Prospects and Competition

Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazil national team is undergoing a tactical evolution, moving away from a sole reliance on individual brilliance towards a more structured and disciplined approach. Ancelotti has shown tactical flexibility, employing formations like 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, and emphasizes that squad selection depends on current form, fitness, and other factors, rather than an "untouchable" status for any player. Brazil has already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The competition for attacking roles in the Brazilian squad is fierce. Martinelli is vying for a spot alongside an array of world-class talents. Key contenders for wide attacking positions include Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Raphinha, who are considered core attacking assets. Emerging talents such as Estêvão Willian and hungry forwards like João Pedro and Matheus Cunha also add significant depth. Even a potentially rejuvenated Neymar, if fully fit, could be a factor in Ancelotti's plans.

While Vinicius Junior is often highlighted as the face of the team due to his pace, confidence, and ability to decide matches, Raphinha has consistently shown a strong scoring record for Brazil, particularly in the absence of Neymar. Martinelli himself was part of Brazil's 2022 World Cup squad and has expressed his strong ambition to be included in the 2026 team. His ability to press from the front and his energy are notable qualities.

Analysis

Gabriel Martinelli's consistent performances for Arsenal, characterized by crucial goals and an impressive work rate, keep him firmly in contention for Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. His determination to win titles with Arsenal and secure his national team spot further underlines his ambition.

Carlo Ancelotti's philosophy of prioritizing current form and fitness bodes well for Martinelli, provided he maintains his high club standards and avoids prolonged injury setbacks. The recent "knock" appears minor, which is crucial for his continuous involvement at Arsenal and, consequently, his visibility to the national team coach.

However, the sheer depth of attacking talent in Brazil means Martinelli must consistently outperform or offer a unique tactical advantage over his rivals. While players like Vinicius Junior and Raphinha are often seen as leading options, Martinelli's ability to operate as a left winger and his energetic pressing could make him a valuable asset, especially in Ancelotti's adaptable tactical schemes. His inclusion will ultimately depend on his sustained excellent form, fitness, and how Ancelotti chooses to balance experience, established stars, and emerging talents in his final squad selection for the tournament.