Brazilian forward Neymar has been named in head coach Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old currently plays for Santos and is the all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil, with 79 goals in 128 appearances. Despite not having played for the national team since 2023 due to injury issues, his inclusion marks his participation in a fourth World Cup, following appearances in 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Ancelotti's Assessment

The announcement was made during a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, where fans expressed their excitement upon hearing Neymar's name. Ancelotti, who took over as Brazil's head coach last year, stated, "We spent the entire year analysing Neymar. We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition."

Squad Highlights

Alongside Neymar, the squad features notable players such as Alisson Becker, who has been sidelined for Liverpool's last ten matches due to injury, and Manchester United's Casemiro and Matheus Cunha. Other key inclusions are Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes, Arsenal's Gabriel, and Brentford's Igor Thiago. Interestingly, Chelsea's Joao Pedro, who is the top scorer for the Blues in the Premier League this season with 15 goals and five assists, has not made the final cut.

Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, is set to face Morocco on June 13, Haiti on June 20, and Scotland in their final Group C match on June 24. The tournament will kick off on June 11 and features an expanded format with 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Brazil 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).