Brazil have included Neymar in their 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the forward’s return to international football after a lengthy injury absence.
The 34-year-old Santos star has not played for Brazil since 2023 but will now head to his fourth World Cup after recovering fitness in recent months.
Ancelotti backs Neymar despite injury concerns
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the squad during a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, where fans erupted in applause after Neymar’s name was announced.
The Italian manager explained that the coaching staff had closely monitored the forward’s physical condition throughout the year before making the decision.
“We spent the entire year analysing Neymar,” Ancelotti said.
“We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition.”
Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and is expected to play a central role in the Selecao’s World Cup campaign.
Premier League stars dominate Brazil selection
Several Premier League players were also included in the squad, including Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker despite his recent injury struggles.
Manchester United duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha were selected alongside Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, Arsenal defender Gabriel Martinelli, Brentford striker Igor Thiago and Bournemouth forward Rayan.
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior and Barcelona forward Raphinha headline a strong attacking group, while teenage striker Endrick also made the squad after impressing during his loan spell at Lyon.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro was one of the notable omissions despite finishing as the club’s top Premier League scorer this season.
Brazil prepare for another World Cup challenge
Five-time world champions Brazil will begin their Group C campaign against Morocco on 13 June before facing Haiti and Scotland later in the group stage.
The tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the first edition featuring 48 teams.
Brazil’s full World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio).
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris St-Germain), Gabriel (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg).
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo).
Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth).