Brazil’s World Cup campaign stepped into its decisive phase on Wednesday as right-back Danilo singled out Endrick as a “rare gem” of Brazilian football during a press conference in New Jersey on 17 June 2026.

Endrick is now the focal point of a squad built around its last golden generation. Danilo’s remarks came two days before Brazil were due to face Haiti in the Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium.

What did Danilo say about Endrick?

Danilo, 34, opened with a glowing assessment of the 19-year-old forward. “Endrick is a rare gem of Brazilian football,” he told reporters. “He is a player with power, decisiveness, a star. We want him to have the biggest possible role. For me, Casemiro, Neymar… This is our last chance, the National Team will keep going with these guys. Whatever we can do to make them feel important, we will.”

The full-back stressed that the squad’s focus remains on showing “the desire to win” rather than dwelling on past results. Brazil had beaten Bolivia 5–1 in their opener on 12 June, but Danilo insisted the next step is “controlling possession, pushing the game, and wanting to win at every moment.”

Why it matters for Endrick

Endrick’s inclusion in the squad marks his first World Cup, and Danilo’s words underline the weight now on his shoulders. The teenager arrived in the United States with a reputation built on power, technique, and composure under pressure.

Danilo also pointed to the broader shift inside the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). “I have to acknowledge that the work of the people who took over the CBF has brought greater peace of mind with things players shouldn’t have to deal with,” he said. “Today there is planning and organization that is among the best I’ve ever had here.”

That structure, Danilo argued, will pay dividends in the short term and help forge an identity for the next wave of youth players.

What comes next for Brazil?

Brazil’s next outing is against Haiti at MetLife Stadium on 19 June 2026. Carlo Ancelotti’s side has been in Granja Comary since 27 May, logging 21 days of camp before the tournament’s knockout stage.

Danilo described the three-week buildup as a chance to “dive into the philosophy the players are looking for in the Brazilian National Team.” He added: “Each one plays for a club, where they work in a certain way, and when you bring all that together, it’s not easy to arrive at a final product with a lot of coherence.”

The squad’s cohesion will be tested against a Haiti side that qualified for only its second World Cup. Brazil, by contrast, are chasing a sixth title and their first since 2002.

Reaction and expectations

Danilo refused to treat the Bolivia win as a yardstick. “There’s expectation and there’s reality,” he said. “We need to approach the match with reality in mind. It would even be disrespectful to talk about a rout, especially given the way football has changed and evolved.”

His comments reflect the pressure on a team built around veterans like Neymar, Casemiro, and now Endrick. The teenager’s role could decide whether Brazil’s 2026 campaign ends in glory or disappointment.