Ancelotti confirms Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has officially named Neymar in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concluding the most anticipated aspect of the team’s announcement on Monday. The 34-year-old forward, who plays for Santos, was included in the final roster, while Chelsea forward Joao Pedro was omitted from the list.

Ancelotti stressed that selection for the starting lineup would not be based on pre-set expectations or past status, but rather on current form. The coach stated he aims to be "clear, clean and honest," indicating that Neymar will play only if he deserves to based on performance. He noted that while he has an idea of the potential starting lineup, final decisions depend on how players train, their physical state, and their mental preparation.

The inclusion of Neymar follows his return to his boyhood club Santos last year, after an unsuccessful spell in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Ancelotti emphasised that every player on the team must prioritise helping the team win games, rather than focusing on individual starting positions. The coach reiterated that each squad member must prove their availability and readiness to contribute to the team’s success.

FIFA regulations require final squads for the tournament to contain between 23 and 26 players, including at least three goalkeepers. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, with associations currently in the process of announcing their rosters. Players on the final list can be replaced by those from the preliminary list in cases of serious injury or illness no later than 24 hours before the team’s first match.

Goalkeepers may be replaced at any time during the World Cup in the event of serious injury or illness. As the tournament approaches, the focus remains on how Ancelotti’s squad will perform under these merit-based selection criteria, with the coach maintaining that individual status does not guarantee a starting role.