Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has handed Neymar Jr a sensational return to the national team after naming the Santos forward in his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The inclusion of Neymar comes as one of the biggest talking points following the squad announcement on Monday evening, with the veteran attacker returning to the Seleção after nearly three years away from international football due to injury setbacks and fitness concerns.
Neymar last featured for Brazil on October 18, 2023, during a 2-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying defeat to Uruguay.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star suffered a devastating ACL and meniscus injury in that encounter, an injury that kept him sidelined for a lengthy period and raised doubts about his international future.
Since then, the 34-year-old had not received a single call-up to the national team, with many believing his time with Brazil was gradually coming to an end.
Ancelotti Banking on Experience and Balance
Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti has decided to place his faith in the experienced playmaker ahead of football’s biggest tournament.
Speaking after unveiling the squad, Ancelotti explained that Neymar’s recent performances and physical condition convinced the technical team to bring him back into the fold.
“Neymar will be an important player for us at the World Cup. We spent the entire year analyzing Neymar. We realized that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition.”
Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil head coach
Neymar enters the tournament as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances for the national team. His return adds experience and creativity to a squad already packed with attacking quality.
Brazil’s attacking department includes Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Igor Thiago and young sensation Rayan.
The squad reflects a blend of youth and experience as Ancelotti aims to restore Brazil’s dominance on the global stage.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is expected to play a central role in the team’s attack alongside Barcelona winger Raphinha, while teenage forward Endrick is set for his first World Cup appearance after an impressive rise in recent years.
In midfield, experienced names such as Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães headline the list together with Fabinho, Lucas Paquetá and Danilo Santos. Casemiro’s return to form at club level appears to have played a key role in his inclusion as Brazil seek leadership and stability in the middle of the park.
Defensively, Brazil have selected a solid mix of established stars and emerging talents. Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Gleison Bremer are expected to lead the backline, while Alex Sandro and Danilo provide experience in the full-back positions.
Goalkeeping duties will be shared among Liverpool star Alisson Becker and Fenerbahce keeper Ederson alongside Palmeiras shot stopper Weverton.
Notable Players Miss Out
Despite the excitement surrounding Neymar’s comeback, several notable omissions have also sparked debate among supporters.
Chelsea trio João Pedro, Andrey Santos and Estêvão were all left out of the final squad. Estêvão’s absence is largely due to injury, but the omissions of João Pedro and Andrey Santos have come as major surprises considering both players had featured consistently in recent national team call-ups.
Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison and veteran defender Thiago Silva all missed out on places in the squad.
For João Pedro and Andrey Santos, the decision means they will miss out on what would have been their first FIFA World Cup appearances.
Pedro released a statement after being snubbed revealing he remains calm and focused and will cheer the team on to win the country’s sixth World Cup title.
“I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be. Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home.”
João Pedro
Ancelotti’s selections suggest he is prioritizing balance, experience and tactical flexibility as Brazil chase a sixth World Cup title in North America.
With Neymar now back in the famous yellow jersey and a talented generation surrounding him, expectations will once again be enormous for the five-time world champions heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil have been drawn into Group C where they will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. Their campaign will begin on June 13 against the Africa Cup of Nations champions.
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