Several Cruzeiro stars are hoping to secure a spot in Brazil’s World Cup squad after being included in Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary list sent to FIFA on Monday (11). The five players from the club—Kaiki, Matheus Pereira, Kaio Jorge, Fabrício Bruno, and Gerson—are all former national team call-ups, with Gerson having previously been a key figure for Brazil. Here’s a detailed look at their performances this season.

Matheus Pereira in 2026 for Cruzeiro

The team’s playmaker has featured in 27 of 31 matches this year, scoring five goals and providing four assists. He averages 257 minutes per goal involvement, creates 13 big chances (roughly one every two games), and maintains an 84% pass accuracy with 57% long-ball success.

• 27 games (26 starts) | 5 goals | 4 assists | 257 mins per goal involvement
• 68 total shots (23 on target) | 2.5 shots per game | 13.6 shots per goal
• 13 big chances created | 2.9 key passes per game | 0.8 successful dribbles per game (57%)
• 84% pass accuracy | 57% long passes accuracy
• 2.7 recoveries per game | 0.9 tackles per game | 4.80 expected goals

Fabrício Bruno in 2026 for Cruzeiro

The defender has played 27 matches as a starter this season, with 89% pass accuracy and 3.3 recoveries per game. He remains reliable in duels, winning 70% of ground duels and 75% of aerial duels, committing only 0.6 fouls per game.

• 27 games (27 starts) | 24 total shots (5 on target)
• 0.4 key passes per game | 89% pass accuracy | 64% long passes
• 3.3 recoveries per game | 4.4 clearances | 0.6 tackles | 0.4 interceptions | 0.6 blocked shots
• Dribbled past 0.1 times per game
• 70% ground duel efficiency | 75% aerial duel efficiency
• 0.6 fouls committed per game | 6 yellow cards | 1 penalty conceded

Kaiki in 2026 for Cruzeiro

The left-back, aged 23, has become a regular starter and contributed three assists and 10 big chances this year. Defensively, he averages 3.6 recoveries and 2.3 tackles per game, with opponents dribbling past him only once every three games.

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• 26 games (26 starts) | 3 assists | 26 shots (7 on target)
• 10 big chances created | 0.9 key passes per game
• 1.2 successful dribbles per game (49%) | 78% pass accuracy
• 26% crossing accuracy | 38% long passes
• 3.6 recoveries per game | 2.3 tackles | 1.0 interceptions
• Dribbled past 0.3 times per game | 51% duel efficiency
• 2.4 fouls committed per game | 4 yellow cards | 1 penalty conceded

Kaio Jorge in 2026 for Cruzeiro

The striker, who was top scorer in last year’s Brazilian league and Copa do Brasil, has struggled with injuries early this season. Despite that, he scored the winning goal in the state championship and averages a goal involvement every two games, with 142 minutes per goal and 45% conversion of big chances.

• 21 games (19 starts) | 10 goals | 1 assist | 142 mins per goal involvement
• 54 shots (22 on target) | 5.4 shots per goal
• 45% big chance conversion | 1 big chance created
• 0.7 key passes per game | 37% ground duel efficiency | 43% aerial duel efficiency
• 0.8 fouls suffered per game | 1 penalty won | 5.13 expected goals

Gerson in 2026 for Cruzeiro

The midfielder, back in Brazilian football eyeing a World Cup spot, has been improving ahead of the squad announcement. In 25 appearances, he has three assists, averages 1.1 key passes per game, and boasts 90% pass accuracy. Defensively, he contributes 3.6 recoveries and one tackle per match.

• 26 games (25 starts) | 3 assists | 18 shots (8 on target)
• 1.1 key passes per game | 0.6 successful dribbles per game (48%)
• 90% pass accuracy | 63% long passes accuracy
• 3.6 recoveries per game | 1.0 tackle | 0.4 interceptions
• 56% duel efficiency | 1.2 fouls committed per game | 2.2 fouls suffered
• 4 yellow cards