The definition of shirt 9 of the Brazilian team remains one of the main unknowns in the cycle towards 2026 World Cup. Unlike other periods, in which Brazil reached the World Cup with a consolidated center forward, the current generation lives in a scenario of open competition, constant tests and hierarchy changes at each FIFA date.
Since Carlo Ancelotti took command, the technical committee has alternated options, seeking balance between area presence, mobility, mentality e finishing power. The result is a dispute without an absolute owner, but with some names at an advantage. The Football prepared a guide to show the main characteristics of each athlete who is in contention and dreams of a place.
Before the list is delivered to FIFA in May, Brazil will have more two friendly matchesone against Franceby Mbappé and vice-world champion, and in front of Croatia. These will be the team’s last games before the World Cup.
Richarlison still leads the race
The Tottenham striker is still the main reference in the position. Identified with the number 9 shirt, Pombo maintained space in the squad throughout the cycle, despite facing fluctuations in performance at his club. Ancelotti likes the striker’s potential. And you know him well.
Between 2023 and 2025, Richarlison competed 15 matches for the Brazilian teamcom six goals and two assists. Confidence in big games, intensity without the ball and recent history weigh in his favor. Still, the lack of regularity opened up space for direct competitors. But fans turn their noses up at the player’s recent performances.
João Pedro grows up at Chelsea
One of the names that evolved the most during Ancelotti’s period was João Pedro. THE striker gained space in the Italian coach’s recent lists and began to be used both as a center forward and in more mobile roles in attack. João Pedro is a definer in the area. A goal scorer.
In the current cycle, has ten games for the national team, with three goals and two assists. His ability to associate with midfield, his physical strength and tactical reading please the coaching staff, making him today Richarlison’s main shadow in the position.
Endrick represents the future
Endrick is the name that symbolizes the future of the Brazilian team. Even at a young age, 19 years old, he was already tested in the first team and made an immediate impact. Explosive, decisive and with an eye for goalthe striker could completely change the scenario by 2026. But he didn’t do well at Real Madrid after Ancelotti’s departure. He asked to play for Lyon.
So far, Endrick has eight games in the national cycle, with three goals and one assist. He doesn’t act like a classic number 9, but his ability to decide games keeps him firmly in contention, especially if he achieves a sequence and protagonism in European football.
Pedro bets on his eye for goal
Pedro is the most classic center forward among the candidates. Top scorer, strong in the air and a reference inside the boxthe Flamengo striker is a relevant name in the debate over Brazil’s number 9 shirt. Pedro had a difficult year at Fla, but he has already recovered.
In the recent period, Pedro adds seven games for the Brazilian teamcom four goals scoredin addition to recurring calls at specific times. THE regularity in Brazilian football and the high number of goals for Flamengo reinforces his argument, although the competition and the team’s style of play have limited his streak as a starter.
Vitor Roque enters the dispute strongly
Vitor Roque is one of the most promising strikers in the countrys and started to gain space in the cycle after establishing himself again in Brazilian football, thanks to his good performances for Palmeiras. With physical strength, mobility and aggressiveness, he brings together characteristics valued by the CBF technical committee.
In the period towards 2026, there is six matches for the Brazilian teamcom two goals scoredin addition to frequent summons. Regularity and evolution could put him in an even stronger position in the next tests. He has been Palmeiras’ main player.
Gabriel Jesus tries to regain space
Gabriel Jesus appears as a experienced name in the dispute, but far from the last call-ups. Although he is not a classic number 9, he has been a starter in World Cups and continues to be watched by the national team’s technical committee.
In the current cycle of the Qualifiers, he participated in nine matchescom two goals and two assists. His versatility and international experience work in his favor, but the need for greater offensive impact weighs against him. Run outside.
Marcos Leonardo bets on the classic profile
Top scorer since Santos’ youth teams, Marcos Leonardo represents the center forward in the area, with physical presence and an eye for goal. He is still looking for greater continuity in the Brazilian team, but remains on the radar. He could have returned to Brazilian football this year. But he didn’t come back. He plays for Al-Hilal, in Saudi Arabia.
During this period, towards the 2026 World Cup, he participated in just five matches, scored two goals and was called up only occasionally. You can gain space if Brazil opts for a more vertical game model focused on occupying the area.
Igor Jesus runs outside
Igor Jesus emerged as a recent alternative, offering physical strength and aerial play. There are three games in the period, with one goal scored, and appears as an option to compose the squad and vary the style of play. He was already more likely to wear the number 9 shirt, but he lost space amidst the tests and the coach’s options, which are many, but none are closed.
Igor Jesus also begins to gain his space in Nottingham Forest. He recently earned praise from coach Pep Guardiola. That’s no small feat.
Kaio Jorgein turn, is the furthest name from the dispute at the moment. With few opportunities — just two matches in the cycle — he is still looking to get back into the fight for the position, despite his international experience. But Ancelotti certainly started to watch Kaio Jorge more closely. He was Cruzeiro and Brasileirão’s top scorer in 2025. His style is running and counterattacking through the midfield, with objectivity. He is strong and knows how to play with few touches in the area.
Undefined scenario
In March next year, the team coached by Carlo Ancelotti will face France and Croatiain that order, as part of the preparation for the next World Cup. After, already with 26 players who will compete in the World Cup chosen, the team will have a date in June for a friendly, probably at Maracanã. Brazil is in Group C, with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.
The fact is that the definition of shirt 9 should remain until the final stretch of the World Cup cycle. Everyone has chances and dreams of competition. But the most symbolic shirt of the Brazilian attack remains without a fixed owner — and the dispute promises to be fierce until the final call-up for the 2026 World Cup.
