FIFA World Cup 2022: Brazil name 26-member squad, prefer 39-year-old Dani Alves over Roberto Firmino

In a surprise move, Brazil coach Tite included 39-year-old Dani Alves in the team's 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

39-year-old veteran Alves, who has not played a match in two months, has been preferred over Liverpool's forward Roberto Firmino in Brazil's World Cup squad.

Alves is now the oldest-ever player to be named in the Brazilian World Cup squad and Qatar 2022 will be his third appearance in the marquee competition.

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Meanwhile, Firmino who returned to form for Liverpool this season failed to make the cut for World Cup, losing out to forwards like Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus, Tottenham's Richarlison, PSG's Neymar, Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid among others.

Brazil will play in Group G at the World Cup with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon. Serbia and Switzerland were also in Brazil's group four years ago in Russia, when the Brazilians lost to Belgium in the quarterfinals.

Brazil squad for FIFA World Cup 2022:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Weverton (Palmeiras) Defenders: Dani Alves (no club), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Eder Militão (Real Madrid), Danilo (Juventus), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alex Telles (Sevilla), Bremer (Juventus).

Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Fred (Manchester United), Fabinho (Liverpool), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham), Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo).

Forwards: Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid), Richarlison (Tottenham), Raphinha (Barcelona), Antony (Manchester United), Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Pedro (Flamengo), Rodrygo (Real Madrid).