Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed the 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, with the standout inclusion being the return of veteran forward Neymar. The 34-year-old, now plying his trade for Santos in his home country, has not featured for the Seleção since 2023 as a result of persistent injury problems. Nevertheless, Ancelotti's faith in the player's recovery and recent form has earned him a place in the group that will travel to North America for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Neymar's international career has been nothing short of remarkable—he is Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. The World Cup represents a chance to add to that tally and potentially lead his nation to a sixth title. This will be his fourth appearance on football's biggest stage, following previous campaigns in 2014, 2018, and 2022. While injuries have often hampered him, his talent remains undiminished and he will be eager to make up for lost time.
During the squad announcement ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, Ancelotti addressed the media and explained the decision to include Neymar. "We spent the entire year analysing Neymar," the Italian stated. "We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition." The words were met with cheers from the gathered supporters when Neymar's name was read out, underlining his enduring popularity in his homeland.
Not every selection was universally praised, however. One of the most notable omissions is Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, who has been in prolific form in the Premier League with 15 goals and five assists this season. Despite being the Blues' top scorer, the young attacker could not break into Ancelotti's plans. His absence highlights the fierce competition for places in Brazil's forward line, which boasts the likes of Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and teenage sensation Endrick, who is on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid.
Scotland fans will be paying close attention to the squad, given that Steve Clarke's side are set to face Brazil in their final Group C match on June 24. The encounter will be a stern test for the Scots, who will have to contend with a wealth of attacking talent. Before that, Brazil will take on Morocco on June 13 and Haiti on June 20, and they will be expected to top the group with maximum points.
Brazil's squad is a blend of experienced internationals and emerging stars. In goal, Liverpool's Alisson Becker has been selected despite missing his club's last ten games through injury. The defensive unit includes Paris Saint-Germain's Marquinhos, Arsenal's Gabriel, and veteran full-back Danilo. The midfield features familiar Premier League faces such as Casemiro of Manchester United, Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes, and former Liverpool man Fabinho. Alongside the established names, Ancelotti has also handed opportunities to younger players like Endrick, whose rapid rise has caught the eye.
The inclusion of Neymar adds a layer of intrigue to Brazil's campaign. Having last played for the national team in 2023, there will be questions over his match fitness and ability to influence games at the highest level after such a long absence. However, his recent outings for Santos suggest he is regaining sharpness, and his experience in high-pressure knockout matches could prove invaluable. For Scotland, preparing to face a player of Neymar's calibre will be a unique challenge, but one that the team will relish after securing qualification.
The expanded World Cup format means there is more room for surprises, and Brazil will be keen to avoid the early exits that have plagued them in recent tournaments. The 2014 heartbreak on home soil and the quarter-final loss in 2022 are still fresh memories, and Ancelotti's appointment was seen as a statement of intent to bring back a tactical edge. With the squad now confirmed, all eyes will be on how the team gels during the pre-tournament friendlies.
Scotland, meanwhile, will be under no illusions about the task at hand. Facing Brazil in a World Cup group stage is a daunting prospect, but it also offers a chance to measure themselves against elite opposition. The match on June 24 could be crucial for both sides, depending on earlier results. For Neymar, it represents an opportunity to show the world that he is still among the game's great entertainers.
As the countdown to the opening ceremony on June 11 begins, Brazil heads to the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a squad that balances flair and pragmatism. The return of Neymar is the headline story, but the collective strength of the group suggests that the Seleção have the tools to mount a serious challenge for the trophy. Whether the 34-year-old can stay fit and recapture his best form will be one of the tournament's key subplots.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
