Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer Neymar will grace the World Cup stage for a fourth time after being named in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad for the 2026 tournament. The 34-year-old forward, now back at Santos following a high-profile stint in Europe, has not played for the Seleção since 2023 due to a series of debilitating injuries. His inclusion signals not only a personal triumph but also a strategic bet by Ancelotti on veteran flair and big-game experience. Neymar's 79 international goals in 128 caps remain a benchmark, and his return instantly elevates Brazil's attacking options ahead of the expanded 48-team competition set to unfold across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ancelotti, who unveiled the squad at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, addressed the scrutiny surrounding Neymar's fitness. "We spent the entire year analysing Neymar. We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition," the Italian coach said. The statement reflects months of meticulous monitoring, with Neymar's recent club form for Santos providing the evidence needed. The forward's 14 appearances this season have shown glimpses of his iconic dribbling and vision, convincing Ancelotti that the risk is calculated and worthwhile. Fans in attendance erupted when Neymar's name was read out, underscoring his enduring status as a national icon despite years of unfulfilled World Cup promise.
The squad blends seasoned campaigners with emerging talent, a balance Ancelotti has carefully calibrated. In goal, Liverpool's Alisson Becker earns a spot despite missing the Reds' last 10 matches through injury, while Fenerbahçe's Ederson and Grêmio's Weverton provide depth. The defensive unit features a mix of experience and youth: veteran full-backs Alex Sandro and Danilo are included alongside Roma's Wesley and Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães. Juventus centre-back Bremer and Al-Ahli's Ibanez add physicality, while Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain brings leadership. Flamengo's Leo Pereira and Zenit St. Petersburg's Douglas Santos round out a backline built for versatility.
Midfield stability comes from Premier League stalwarts Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle United and Manchester United's Casemiro, whose defensive acumen remains crucial. Al-Ittihad's Fabinho offers additional steel, while Botafogo's Danilo Santos and Flamengo's Lucas Paquetá—a creative hub on his day—provide ball progression. The omission of a pure deep-lying playmaker may raise questions, but Ancelotti appears to favor industry over artistry in the engine room, trusting the forwards to unlock stubborn defenses.
Up front, the firepower is undeniable. Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior headlines a cast that includes Barcelona's Raphinha, 19-year-old Endrick (currently on loan at Lyon from Madrid), and Bournemouth's Rayan. Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, Brentford's Igor Thiago, and Manchester United's Matheus Cunha add pace and directness. Zenit's Luiz Henrique completes the attacking cohort. Yet the most glaring omission is Chelsea's João Pedro, whose 15 Premier League goals and five assists this season were not enough to sway Ancelotti. The decision has sparked debate, as Pedro's clinical finishing and link-up play seemed tailor-made for a squad chasing its first World Cup title since 2002.
Brazil enters Group C with fixtures against Morocco on 13 June, Haiti on 20 June, and Scotland on 24 June. The schedule pits them against diverse tactical challenges: Morocco's organised defence, Haiti's physicality, and Scotland's set-piece threat. Progression to the knockout phase is expected, but the group will serve as a litmus test for Ancelotti's tactical setup and the squad's cohesion. The expanded format, starting on 11 June, reduces the margin for error in the group stage, with only the top two guaranteed advancement from each of the 12 groups.
Neymar's presence adds a layer of narrative weight. His World Cup journey began in 2014 on home soil, cut short by injury; in 2018, a quarter-final exit to Belgium; and in 2022, another injury-marred campaign ending in a shootout loss to Croatia. At 34, this likely represents his final chance to lift the trophy that has eluded him. His experience could prove invaluable in high-pressure moments, provided his body holds up. For Brazil, the mission is clear: harness Neymar's genius while protecting him from the physical toll of a compressed tournament schedule.
Ancelotti's squad selection reflects a pragmatic optimism. By blending established stars with hungry newcomers, he has crafted a unit capable of multiple tactical identities. The inclusion of Endrick, in particular, points to a forward-thinking approach, ensuring that Brazil's attacking lineage continues beyond Neymar's era. Yet the immediate focus remains on the here and now—a summer date with destiny, where a fifth star on the iconic yellow jersey feels within reach if everything clicks. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
