RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil forward Neymar has been included in head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup. The 34-year-old, who currently plays for Santos, returns to the national team after a long absence caused by injury struggles that have kept him away from the Seleção since 2023.
The announcement was made by Ancelotti at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, where fans cheered loudly upon hearing Neymar’s name. As Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, Neymar is set to feature in his fourth World Cup, having previously represented his country in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments.
Ancelotti Cites Fitness and Continuity
Ancelotti, 66, who took over the Brazilian national team last year, emphasized that the decision followed a year of rigorous monitoring. “We realized that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition,” Ancelotti stated, noting that Neymar has played 14 games for Santos this season.
Notable Inclusions and a Major Omission
The squad features a blend of established veterans and rising stars. Alisson Becker (Liverpool) has been selected despite missing his club’s last 10 matches due to injury. Other Premier League representatives include Casemiro and Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), and Gabriel (Arsenal).
The attacking lineup is particularly formidable, featuring Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, Barcelona’s Raphinha, and 19-year-old sensation Endrick, who is currently on loan at Lyon.
However, the most significant surprise was the omission of Chelsea forward Joao Pedro. Despite being the top scorer for the London club this season with 15 Premier League goals and five assists, he did not make the final 26-man cut.
Tournament Outlook
The expanded 48-team World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on 11 June. Five-time winners Brazil have been placed in Group C and will face the following opening schedule:
- Morocco: 13 June
- Haiti: 20 June
- Scotland: 24 June
The Official Brazil World Cup Squad
- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio).
- Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris St-Germain), Gabriel (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg).
- Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo).
- Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth).
