The uncertainty surrounding Neymar’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup has been resolved. Following months of speculation regarding his fitness, recovery, and international future, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has formally included the forward in his final 26-man roster for the tournament.
The announcement was made on Monday, 18 May 2026, during a Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) press conference held at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro. When Ancelotti read out the final list of selected players, the inclusion of the 34-year-old forward confirmed his presence at the tournament.
Path to Fitness and Squad Inclusion
Neymar’s road to selection followed a prolonged period away from regular international football. After suffering a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during a World Cup qualifying fixture against Uruguay in October 2023, the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward remained outside the national squad’s immediate selection plans for over two years. Ancelotti, prioritizing physical intensity and high performance, left him out of the friendly matches against France and Croatia in March due to persistent conditioning concerns.
Following a challenging period disrupted by injuries in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal, Neymar rejoined his boyhood club, Santos FC, in January. His regular competitive appearances and improved form in domestic football subsequently satisfied Ancelotti’s physical criteria. This selection marks the fourth World Cup tournament of Neymar’s professional career, following his appearances in 2014, 2018, and 2022. He remains Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, having netted 79 goals in 128 international appearances.
Tournament Group and Schedule
Brazil, five-time world champions, are seeking their first global title since 2002. Positioned in Group C, their campaign will begin on 13 June against Morocco, followed by fixtures against their other group opponents, Haiti and Scotland.
Official 26-Man Brazil World Cup Squad
The definitive squad submitted by Carlo Ancelotti comprises the following players, categorized by position and their current club affiliations:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Grêmio).
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Gleison Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Roger Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley França (Roma).
Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo).
Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St Petersburg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (FC Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid).
