The Bees’ powerhouse striker has forced his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans after a 22-goal Premier League haul and a clinical debut strike for the Seleção.
Brentford striker Igor Thiago has been included in Brazil’s 55-man provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup, keeping him firmly in contention for Carlo Ancelotti’s final tournament selection after a breakthrough season in west London. Brazil’s final 26-man squad is due to be announced on May 18.
It is another significant marker in Thiago’s rapid rise. The 24-year-old earned his first Brazil call-up in March, then made his senior debut in a 2-1 defeat to France before scoring his first international goal from the penalty spot in Brazil’s 3-1 win over Croatia later that month.
His Brentford form has made the case increasingly difficult to ignore.
Thiago has scored 22 Premier League goals this season, placing him second in the Golden Boot race behind Erling Haaland. That return has not just driven Brentford’s attack, it has changed the way his season is viewed in Brazil, where Ancelotti has been assessing centre-forward options before naming his final squad.
Brentford have already seen the impact up close. Thiago’s power between centre-backs, penalty-box movement and willingness to attack crosses have given Keith Andrews’ side a clear focal point, but his game has also developed beyond finishing. He has become more reliable with his back to goal, more confident linking play into runners, and a constant outlet when Brentford need to turn pressure into territory.
Ancelotti has elite wide forwards and creative players available, but Thiago offers a different profile: a physical No.9 who can occupy centre-backs, attack crosses and give Brazil a penalty-box reference point. That does not guarantee him a place in the final squad, but it gives him a clear route into the conversation if Brazil want variety in their attacking options.
His first Brazil goal added to that case in a different way. Coming off the bench against Croatia, Thiago converted an 88th-minute penalty shortly after Croatia had equalised, restoring Brazil’s lead before Gabriel Martinelli added a third in stoppage time. It was only a friendly, but the timing still mattered. These are the moments fringe players have to take, and Thiago did so with a calm finish under pressure.
Andrews had already spoken publicly about what the call-up meant after Thiago’s first Brazil selection, describing it as “pretty special” for the player, his family and Brentford. The Bees head coach also said Thiago had “every chance of going to the World Cup” if he maintained his level.
That possibility is now very real. A place on the provisional list does not guarantee a seat on the plane, and Brazil’s attacking depth means the final cut will be demanding. But Thiago has done what he needed to do: score heavily in the Premier League, make his Brazil debut, take his first international chance and give Ancelotti a profile few other Brazilian forwards can match.
Thiago's inclusion is also a reflection of Brentford’s recruitment and development. Thiago arrived with pedigree from Club Brugge, but his second season in England has turned him from promising centre-forward into a genuine World Cup contender. The next decision belongs to Ancelotti.