Rio de Janeiro: Neymar has been included in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a decision that many local analysts and former footballers had considered unlikely just days earlier.
The 34-year-old forward remains Brazil’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 79 goals, but has faced ongoing fitness struggles since suffering a torn ACL in his left knee in October 2023. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti named Neymar in his 26-man squad alongside key attacking stars Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, both of whom were widely expected to be selected.
Ancelotti, who took charge of the Brazilian national team in May 2025, had previously not called up Neymar before the May 19 squad announcement. The Italian manager recently extended his contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation through to the 2030 World Cup.
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Despite the extension, Ancelotti’s tenure with Brazil has been challenging due to multiple injuries affecting the squad ahead of the tournament. Among the notable absentees are forwards Rodrygo and Estevao, whose absence is expected to significantly impact Brazil’s attacking options in North America.
Brazil squad for World Cup 2026
- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)
- Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg)
- Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (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).
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