Neymar has been selected for Brazil's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, marking his fourth appearance in the tournament. The announcement was made during a gala event in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, where head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the squad list.
Neymar's Return to Form
The 34-year-old forward, who is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, had faced uncertainty over his fitness following an anterior cruciate ligament tear more than two years ago. However, Ancelotti expressed confidence in Neymar's condition, stating that he “has improved his fitness” and will be “an important player in this World Cup.”
Neymar rejoined his boyhood club Santos last year after a stint with Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal. He has scored eight goals across his three previous World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2022, and will now aim to lead the Seleção to their first title since 2002.
Notable Omissions and Squad Depth
The most surprising exclusion from the squad was Chelsea forward João Pedro. At 24 years old, he was widely expected to make his first World Cup roster after featuring in Brazil's international competitions leading up to the tournament. However, Ancelotti opted for Neymar, Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, Bournemouth's Rayan, Brentford's Igor Thiago, and others in that position.
Ancelotti acknowledged the difficulty of the selection process, saying: “It was very difficult to choose these 26 players. Why? Because the competition in this country is very, very high. I know some players who have been with us this year will be unhappy.”
The squad also includes Vinícius Júnior, Rayan, and Igor Thiago, who will join Neymar in Brazil's attacking lineup. The team will now prepare for the World Cup, with hopes of ending a 24-year drought since their last triumph.
