Ancelotti names Neymar in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer returns to the national team under Carlo Ancelotti, who emphasises merit-based selection amid injury concerns.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has officially included 34-year-old Neymar in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the player’s first call-up under the Italian manager since he took charge in May 2025. The announcement on Monday concluded the most anticipated aspect of the team’s selection, with local analysts and former footballers having described Neymar’s inclusion as unlikely only days prior.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, returns to the national team despite ongoing fitness concerns following a left anterior cruciate ligament tear in October 2023. His recent career trajectory includes an unsuccessful spell in Saudi Arabia in 2023 and a return to his boyhood club, Santos, in 2024. Ancelotti had not summoned Neymar until the final roster confirmation, despite the player’s historic status within the squad.
The final squad features established players such as Vinicius Junior and Raphinha. However, several key forwards were omitted due to injury, including strikers Rodrygo and Estevao, as well as Chelsea forward Joao Pedro. Ancelotti, who recently extended his contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation through the 2030 World Cup, has faced a troubled spell with many injured players unavailable for the tournament.
Ancelotti emphasised that selection for the starting lineup would not be based on pre-set expectations or individual status, but on merit and readiness to contribute. He stated that every player must prioritise helping the team win games rather than focusing on individual starting positions. Each squad member must prove their availability and readiness to contribute to the team’s success in North America.
FIFA regulations allow for goalkeeper replacements during the tournament 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.
