In a move that few anticipated, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has named veteran forward Neymar in his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The announcement, made on Monday evening, ends months of speculation about whether the 34-year-old would be given one final opportunity on the international stage after an injury-plagued spell and a long absence from the Seleçao. Neymar has not featured for Brazil since a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in World Cup qualifying on October 18, 2023, a match that many believed might be his last in the famous yellow jersey.
Neymar’s road to redemption has been anything but straightforward. After enduring a stop-start beginning to the season and undergoing knee surgery in December, his return to Santos proved pivotal. The attacker slowly regained rhythm and sharpness, participating in 10 of the club’s last 13 fixtures. His performances, while not yet at the dazzling peak of his Barcelona days, displayed enough flashes of brilliance and growing match fitness to convince Ancelotti that he could still be a game-changer in the summer's tournament.
For Neymar, this World Cup represents a last dance. The former Paris Saint-Germain talisman, who has 79 international goals, carries the weight of a nation that has longed for a sixth world title since 2002. His inclusion is as much a nod to his enduring talent as it is a strategic choice by Ancelotti, who values big-game experience in a squad that blends youth and veteran savvy. The decision will ignite debate: can Neymar stay fit and deliver when it matters most, or will his selection disrupt the balance of a team that has evolved in his absence?
Another headline selection is teenage sensation Endrick. The 19-year-old Real Madrid forward, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Lyon, has earned his maiden World Cup call-up after a productive spell in France. Endrick scored nine goals across all competitions for Lyon, demonstrating poise and finishing ability beyond his years. Ancelotti’s faith in the youngster is a clear signal that Brazil is already integrating the next generation, and the World Cup could serve as the perfect platform for Endrick to showcase his immense potential.
Anchoring the defense will be Marquinhos, the PSG centre-back who now assumes the role of elder statesman. His likely partner in central defense is Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes, a pairing that adds steel and aerial dominance. Intriguingly, the two will first face each other as adversaries in the Champions League final on May 30 in Budapest, before joining forces for the national team. That high-stakes encounter could forge a unique understanding or, conversely, a competitive tension as they prepare for World Cup duty.
The 26-man list is also notable for its omissions. Veteran centre-back Thiago Silva, long a pillar of the Seleçao, was left out despite speculation that he might be a replacement for the injured Eder Militao. Militao’s absence through injury had opened the door, but Ancelotti opted against bringing the 40-year-old Chelsea defender, instead trusting a younger core. Silva’s exclusion marks the end of an era and underscores the coach’s intent to look forward, even as he relies on seasoned figures like Neymar and Marquinhos.
Brazil’s preparation includes two friendly matches: against Panama on May 31 and Egypt on June 7. These fixtures will be crucial for fine-tuning tactics and integrating Neymar back into the lineup. The team then travels to New York for their World Cup opener against Morocco on June 14 at the MetLife Stadium, a midnight kickoff local time. It is a challenging start against a Moroccan side that impressed at the last World Cup, and the Seleçao will need to hit the ground running.
Ancelotti’s squad selection is a calculated gamble that mixes proven quality with youthful exuberance. By recalling Neymar, he has given himself a wildcard who can unlock defenses on his day, but the decision also carries risk if the forward fails to recreate his best form or breaks down physically. Meanwhile, Endrick’s inclusion adds an element of unpredictability; the young striker offers pace and directness, traits that could prove vital against tired legs in the latter stages of matches.
Historically, Brazil’s World Cup campaigns are judged by nothing less than lifting the trophy, and the pressure is immense. The 2026 tournament, with its expanded format and challenging new venues, will test squad depth like never before. Ancelotti, a serial winner at club level, understands the demands of knockout football and has assembled a group that can adapt to various scenarios—provided the key pieces align.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, the spotlight will inevitably fall on Neymar. Whether this World Cup becomes a glorious swansong or a cautionary tale remains to be seen, but Ancelotti’s bold bets on both the old guard and the new wave have set the stage for a fascinating Brazil campaign. Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
