Brazil's Scolari confirms 9 names for World Cup

Chelsea's David Luiz speaks during a press conference at the Vicente Calderon stadium, in Madrid, Spain, Monday April 21, 2014, ahead of the Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

SAO PAULO (AP) — Coach Luis Felipe Scolari has confirmed nine players who will make Brazil's squad for the World Cup at home.

They are David Luiz, Oscar, Ramires, Willian, Paulinho, Julio Cesar, Thiago Silva, Fred and Neymar.

Scolari said at a local event that he talked to some of the players on a recent trip to Europe to assure they had his support and were guaranteed making the World Cup.

The coach said four were up for captain: Silva, Luiz, Cesar and Fred. Silva was the captain in recent friendlies.

Scolari will announce the official 23-man squad on May 7. Seven possible substitutes will be announced later.

Brazil will play friendlies against Panama and Serbia before the World Cup opener against Croatia on June 12.