Neymar has been recalled to the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his final 26-man selection in Rio de Janeiro on Monday.
The 34-year-old forward, currently playing for Santos, returns to international football after a lengthy absence caused by injury problems. Neymar has not featured for Brazil since 2023 but remains the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances.
His inclusion means he is set to appear at a fourth World Cup, having previously represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments. Fans inside the announcement ceremony erupted in celebration when Neymar’s name was confirmed by Ancelotti.
Speaking after unveiling the squad, Ancelotti explained the decision to recall the experienced forward.
“We spent the entire year analysing Neymar,” the Italian manager said. “We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition.”
Brazil’s squad combines experienced stars with emerging young talent as the five-time world champions aim to reclaim football’s biggest prize. Premier League-based players heavily feature in the squad, including Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, Arsenal defender Gabriel, and Manchester United duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha.
La Liga stars Vinicius Junior and Raphinha are also included, while teenage striker Endrick earns a place after an impressive campaign on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid.
However, there was no place for Chelsea forward Joao Pedro despite an impressive Premier League season in which he scored 15 goals and provided five assists.
Brazil have been drawn in Group C and will begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 before facing Haiti and Scotland in their remaining group-stage fixtures.
The tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, begins on June 11 and marks the first edition of the FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams.
Brazil World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton.
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira, Bremer, Ibanez, Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos.
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos, Fabinho, Lucas Paqueta.
Forwards: Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Luiz Henrique, Neymar, Rayan.
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