Neymar has been included in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, a call-up that local analysts and former players describe as surprising only days before the announcement.
At 34, Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals. However, he has struggled to regain peak fitness since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in October 2023.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who took over in May 2025, has selected Neymar for the first time since taking charge of the national team. The 26-man squad also features key stars such as Vinicius Junior and Raphinha.
Ancelotti recently extended his contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) through the 2030 World Cup. However, his tenure has been hampered by several injury absences. Forwards Rodrygo and Estevao are the most significant losses for the squad heading to North America.
Brazil’s 2026 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 (PSG), Gabriel Magalhaes (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)
