Cafu names Endrick as Brazil's likely 2026 World Cup breakout star

Brazil legend Cafu has identified 19-year-old forward Endrick as the player most likely to break out at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the latest endorsement ahead of Brazil's tournament campaign. Speaking in an interview with Marca and reported by World Soccer Talk, Cafu said he has "a lot of confidence" in Endrick and believes the young attacker will be the big revelation for Brazil in the United States this summer.

Why it matters

Endrick's inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad is notable because the forward earned his place after a strong half-season on loan at Olympique Lyonnais. At 19, he is one of 11 players in the squad who have never previously appeared at a FIFA tournament, so his performances on this stage could shape Brazil's attacking options and future selection decisions.

What Cafu said and the context around Endrick

According to the report, Cafu praised Brazil's group but singled out Endrick for particular confidence, saying he expects the youngster to perform well at the World Cup. Cafu also expressed support for Vinicius Junior and complimented Carlo Ancelotti's experience handling a major tournament.

The background supplied by the source notes that Endrick joined Lyon on loan from Real Madrid after limited opportunities at the Spanish club. During his half-season with Lyon he recorded eight goals and eight assists in 21 appearances across Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League — numbers the source says helped secure his place in Ancelotti's squad.

Brazil squad, debutants and World Cup preparation

The report lists Endrick among 11 players in the 26-man group who have not previously played in a FIFA tournament. The other debutants named by the source are Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Roger Ibanez, Léo Pereira, Wesley, Danilo, Igor Thiago, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique and Rayan. Endrick reportedly earned his first Brazil minutes during the March international window, coming on against Croatia for 14 minutes and providing two assists in that appearance.

• Cafu told Marca (reported by World Soccer Talk) he expects Endrick to be Brazil's breakout player at the 2026 World Cup.
• Endrick is 19 and joined Lyon on loan from Real Madrid after limited club opportunities.
• Source reports Endrick had eight goals and eight assists in 21 appearances for Lyon across Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the Europa League.
• Endrick is among 11 Brazil players who, according to the source, have not previously played in a FIFA tournament.
• His first minutes for Brazil came in March against Croatia (14 minutes), during which he provided two assists, per the report.

Implications for Brazil's attack and squad selection

If Endrick performs on the World Cup stage as Cafu predicts, it could accelerate his role in Brazil's attacking rotation and strengthen Ancelotti's options beyond established names. The source highlights Vinicius Junior as another key attacking figure; Cafu suggested Vinicius's happiness and form at club level will be important for Brazil's prospects.

Because the supplied metadata comes from a single report relaying remarks and season statistics, specific tactical impacts—such as how Ancelotti might use Endrick (starting striker, impact substitute, formation changes)—are not claimed here and would require further confirmation from coaching staff statements or match lineups.

What happens next

Brazil travel to the United States in the days before the tournament to continue preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The next concrete developments to watch are Ancelotti's pre-tournament lineups and whether Endrick is used as a starter or substitute in Brazil's opening fixtures; those appearances will show whether Cafu's prediction is realised.