Ederson gets a last-minute call-up for the World Cup, delaying his move to Manchester United! Reason revealed why a Brazilian full-back's injury led to a midfielder being selected

Manchester United’s £39 million arrival Ederson has received a fortunate last-minute call-up to the Brazilian national team and will travel with them for the 2026 World Cup starting this weekend. Although some supporters had long complained about his exclusion, their hopes are now fulfilled; however, Ederson’s involvement in the tournament could be detrimental to United, since his move will have to be delayed further.

According to the agreement between Manchester United and Atalanta, all transfer documentation for Ederson has been finalized, awaiting only the opening of Italy’s international transfer window on July 1st to be completed.

However, after being called up as a replacement for Brazil, Ederson will take part in at least three World Cup group-stage matches. The "Samba Squad" is in Group C, facing Morocco on June 13th, Haiti on June 24th, and Scotland on June 24th.

Given that the group-stage opponents are not particularly strong, Brazil is very likely to advance to the knockout rounds, meaning they will play a round of 32 match on June 30th or July 1st, depending on their group ranking. If they go further, Ederson and Brazil’s World Cup journey could extend to July 4th to July 8th, the period for the round of 16.

Should Brazil reach the quarter-finals, those matches are scheduled between July 10th and 12th; the semi-finals take place on July 15th and 16th; the third-place match is on July 19th, and the final on July 20th. According to FIFA rules, players are entitled to at least three weeks of rest after a major tournament to prevent physical burnout.

Ederson might find time after the tournament to undergo his Manchester United medical, sign the contract, and complete the official announcement, but having been added to the Brazil squad, he will definitely miss United’s preseason training and early friendly matches, which is far from ideal for his integration into the team.

Statistics show that Ederson has only three caps for Brazil, meaning he is certain to be a substitute at the World Cup. Ancelotti originally left him out of the 26-man squad, and it was only due to an injury to another international that Ederson was recalled to the team.

Brazil played their final warm-up match on Saturday against Egypt at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, USA. Starting right-back Wesley, a 22-year-old from Roma, was forced off in the 16th minute due to injury. A post-match medical examination confirmed a severe muscle injury, ruling him out of the World Cup, and the Brazilian Football Confederation officially announced that Ederson would replace him, taking the number 2 jersey.

The Brazilian Football Confederation’s statement read: "The Brazilian Football Confederation informs that player Wesley underwent a reassessment by the Brazilian national team medical staff this Sunday and completed various imaging exams. Magnetic resonance imaging results revealed an injury to the adductor muscle of his left thigh."

The statement added: "The Brazilian Football Confederation regrets Wesley’s injury. He is a beloved player in the squad and will always be part of our journey for the sixth world title. However, based on his diagnosis, the confederation had to call up Ederson to join the team. He will travel to the United States as early as Monday to meet up with the national team."

Ederson was already on vacation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and had passed an informal medical with Manchester United last week. His travel to the World Cup training base is not far—Brazil is based at the Columbia Park Training Center in Morristown, New Jersey, USA, and staying at the Ridge Hotel in Basking Ridge.

Interestingly, the injured Brazilian international Wesley is a right-back who was expected to start at the World Cup, as indicated by his shirt number. Yet after Wesley’s absence, Ancelotti chose to replace him with a midfielder, which came as something of a surprise.

Brazilian media speculate that Ancelotti may start Danilo, who has played for Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Juventus, as he came on as a substitute against Egypt. The 34-year-old veteran returned to Brazilian giants Flamengo last year and mainly serves as a backup, but he has 69 caps for his country. Additionally, Roger Ibañez, who plays for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Professional League and formerly for Roma, can also play right-back.

Brazil’s initial 26-man squad included only five midfielders: Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle United, Casemiro (still registered with Manchester United), Danilo of Botafogo, Fabinho of Al-Ittihad, and Lucas Paquetá of Flamengo. Meanwhile, there were nine defenders and nine forwards. Wesley’s injury allowed Ancelotti to readjust the squad’s balance.

By calling up Ederson, Brazil’s three lines have become more balanced. Ancelotti originally planned a 4-2-4 formation, but an increasing number of voices in Brazilian football suggest that against strong opponents, Brazil should field three midfielders. Ederson’s addition makes this adjustment more feasible.

For Ederson, the past week has been incredible: he secured his move to Manchester United and, at the last minute, earned his first World Cup opportunity—a double blessing. It is reported that Ederson was attending a friend’s wedding in his hometown of Campo Grande at the time. His wife, Micaela Lobianco, expressed her joy on social media: "God is always good! Let’s go to the World Cup together! I’m so proud of you, congratulations my love! Let’s face this challenge together."

However, Manchester United may be caught in mixed emotions, because not only will Ederson’s arrival be delayed, but the FIFA participation compensation for his World Cup stint still belongs to Atalanta, as his registration remains with the Serie A club for now.

According to FIFA estimates, clubs whose players participate in the World Cup receive a minimum of $5,000 per day, meaning a single player can earn at least $160,000 for his club, up to a maximum of $285,000.