Which Real Madrid players are missing from the 2026 World Cup?: Rodrygo (ACL and meniscus injuries) and Éder Militão (hamstring surgery) were both ruled out of Brazil's 55-man preliminary squad announced on 9 May 2026.Source: Lowdown
How many Champions League titles has Real Madrid won?: Real Madrid have won 15 European Cup / Champions League titles — the most of any club.
What is Carlo Ancelotti's connection to Real Madrid and Brazil?: Ancelotti managed Real Madrid from 2013-2015 and 2021 to mid-2024, winning four Champions League titles. He Left to manage Brazil in 2024 and is now coaching at the World Cup without two key Real players (Rodrygo and Militão) due to injuries.

Background

Real Madrid appear in the 2026 World Cup narrative primarily through their players' absence: both Rodrygo and Éder Militão were ruled out of Brazil's squad on 9 May 2026 through injury — ACL and meniscus (Rodrygo) and hamstring surgery (Militão). The back-to-back losses mean Ancelotti, who managed Real before taking the Brazil job, is coaching at the World Cup without two of the players he most recently worked with in European competition.

Real Madrid is the world's most decorated club football team, with 15 European Cup / Champions League titles and a record of developing elite South American talent throughout their history. Their current squad has a significant Brazilian contingent, including Vinicius Jr — who is in contention for the 2026 squad — alongside the injured Rodrygo and Militão.

The club's indirect influence on the 2026 tournament is substantial: Carlo Ancelotti managed Real Madrid from 2013-2015 and again from 2021 to mid-2024. His tactical preferences and knowledge of Real's Brazilian players shape Brazil's World Cup preparation, even in absences.