Antony Vows to Keep World Cup Dream Alive After Brazil Omit Real Betis Winger From 2026 Squad

Real Betis winger Antony has broken his silence on his omission from Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad, describing the decision as a source of personal sadness while vowing to continue working towards a future international call-up.

The 26-year-old, who joined Real Betis following a difficult spell at Manchester United, took to Instagram Stories shortly after the official squad announcement to address his exclusion from Carlo Ancelotti’s final 26-man selection. “I’m saddened not to be at another World Cup with the national team, but I’m calm and proud of everything we’ve achieved so far,” he wrote.

Despite the disappointment, Antony made clear his international ambitions remain intact. “I will continue working as I always have, because this dream is still alive,” he stated, before shifting focus to his compatriots heading to the tournament. “Now it’s time to cheer on my friends who will represent Brazil in the fight for the sixth title. I’ll be supporting them all from here.”

The omission has drawn considerable attention in Spain, where Antony’s performances this season have been widely regarded as among the best of his professional career. Across 45 appearances in all competitions for the Verdiblancos, the winger contributed 14 goals and 10 assists — numbers that established him as one of La Liga’s more productive attacking players during the campaign.

The turnaround from his time in the Premier League has been stark. Antony struggled for form and consistency during his tenure at Old Trafford after joining Manchester United from Ajax in a transfer that made him one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. His move to the Benito Villamarin has, by contrast, seen him become a central figure in Real Betis’ attacking setup.

Antony had previously earned recognition under Ancelotti, receiving a call-up to the national squad in June 2025. However, that appearance remains his only cap under the Italian head coach, and his strong club form this season was ultimately not enough to force his way back into the squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Brazil, who have not won the World Cup since 2002, enter the 2026 tournament under significant pressure to end that wait and claim a record-extending sixth title. Ancelotti, who took charge of the Selecao after leaving Real Madrid, has assembled a squad that, according to reports, reflects his preference for experience alongside emerging talent — a balance that left no room for Antony despite his La Liga resurgence.

The omission places Antony in a position shared by several other in-form club players who missed the cut, with squad selection for a 26-man roster requiring difficult decisions even at a tournament expanded to 48 teams. Whether his performances at Real Betis next season can earn him a recall to the national setup remains to be seen, but the winger has made his intentions clear.