Estevao's World Cup Hopes Officially 'In Doubt' — Brazil Now Missing Both Rodrygo and Estevao

Al Jazeera and multiple outlets confirmed on April 25 that Chelsea and Brazil winger Estevao's participation in the 2026 World Cup is formally 'in doubt' following his Grade 4 hamstring injury sustained April 18 against Manchester United. Chelsea interim coach Calum McFarlane said: 'I am sure he is very hopeful he can make the World Cup, but I don't know on that.' Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to announce his World Cup squad on May 18 — 24 days before the June 11 opener. Sources told ESPN there is ongoing internal debate within the CBF over whether to call Estevao up in case he recovers for the knockout stages. The confirmation compounded Brazil's attacking crisis: Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is already confirmed out of the entire tournament with a torn ACL and meniscus. Brazil's Group C schedule: June 13 vs. New Zealand (Toronto), June 18 vs. Switzerland (Dallas), June 23 vs. Côte d'Ivoire (Dallas). At 18, Estevao had been described by multiple analysts as the most anticipated Brazilian forward since a teenage Neymar — his absence, alongside Rodrygo's, represents a significant blow to Brazil's title ambitions under first-time World Cup coach Ancelotti.