Endrick dispels World Cup fears.

The brief burst of form against Croatia helped young striker Endrick regain his confidence and opened up the possibility of him participating in the 2026 World Cup.

ZNews•03/04/2026

Endrick is proving himself.

Endrick needed less than 15 minutes to change how people perceived him. In Brazil's victory over Croatia in Orlando, the striker, born in 2006, came on in the 76th minute, when the game was still evenly matched and Brazil hadn't yet secured the win.

But even in that short period of time, Endrick left a lasting impression.

He won the penalty that put Brazil ahead 2-1, and then immediately assisted Martinelli to seal the victory. Without needing many touches or flashy techniques, Endrick chose to make the difference through directness and decisiveness.

That's also what coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized after the match, when he spoke about "new players who know how to take advantage of opportunities," a clear allusion to this young striker.

What's noteworthy is that this performance came at a crucial time. This was the final friendly match before Brazil announced their squad for the 2026 World Cup.

In a crowded attacking line-up with names like Vinícius, Raphinha, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli, and Richarlison, opportunities for Endrick were limited. He needed a moment of brilliance, and he got it.

Before returning to the national team, Endrick had a difficult time at Real Madrid. He didn't get many opportunities to play and was gradually pushed out of the competition. Therefore, the decision to move to Lyon on loan was a turning point.

In Ligue 1, Endrick rediscovered what he had lost: his match fitness, confidence, and goal-scoring ability. No longer confined to a reserve role, he got more playing time, more exposure, and most importantly, regained his rhythm.

This period gave Endrick another opportunity with the Brazilian national team, an opportunity he understood he couldn't waste.

Endrick could be available for the 2026 World Cup.

After the victory against Croatia, the 20-year-old striker candidly spoke about his biggest fear: the risk of missing the World Cup. “When I stepped onto the pitch, I prayed. I heard people chanting my name, but I also sensed that not everyone in Brazil liked me. Even so, I am grateful for every moment and will continue to work hard,” Endrick shared.

It's a rare acknowledgment of the pressure a young talent faces, where expectations are always accompanied by skepticism.

In Brazil's attacking lineup, Endrick isn't the biggest star. But he offers a different option. While Vinícius and Raphinha are more focused on technique and creating chances on the wing, Endrick plays more directly, is stronger, and is willing to engage in physical challenges.

That very "roughness" proves valuable in short tournaments like the World Cup, where decisive moments often come from simple yet decisive situations. Endrick didn't need many opportunities to make his mark, and the match against Croatia was clear evidence of that.

In Brazil, the media even compared his performance to that of Neymar at his peak, albeit for just 15 short minutes. The comparison might be a bit exaggerated, but it shows that Endrick truly impressed.

The competition for a World Cup spot is still fierce, and Endrick isn't guaranteed a place in the final squad. But at least he's gotten himself back on track. More importantly, the young striker has overcome the biggest hurdle: the fear of being left behind.