Brazil’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, and it comes with one of the biggest stories in international football – Neymar Jr is back.
After nearly three years away from the national team, the Brazilian superstar has earned a sensational recall to the Seleção squad named by legendary Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the World Cup set to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The announcement, made during a glamorous ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, sparked loud cheers the moment Neymar’s name echoed through the venue. For many Brazilian fans, it marked the emotional return of one of the country’s greatest-ever footballers.
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Neymar included in Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
The 34-year-old forward has not featured for Brazil since suffering a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay back in 2023. Injuries, fitness struggles and inconsistent form during his spell in Saudi Arabia had cast doubt over whether he would ever wear the famous yellow shirt again.
But after returning to boyhood club Santos FC earlier this year, Neymar has slowly rebuilt his rhythm and sharpness, enough to convince Ancelotti that he still has a major role to play on football’s biggest stage.
“We monitored Neymar throughout the year and observed that, in recent times, he has been playing consistently and his physical condition has improved,” said Ancelotti.
“We believe he is an important player.”
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The veteran attacker heads into what will be his fourth FIFA World Cup after previously representing Brazil in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions. Despite an injury-hit period that has limited him to just 15 appearances in 31 matches since returning to Santos, Ancelotti clearly believes Neymar’s experience and creativity could be decisive.
Brazil will be chasing a record-extending sixth World Cup crown, and Neymar’s return adds even more firepower to an already frightening attacking unit.
The squad boasts some of Europe’s most dangerous forwards, including Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli and rising sensation Endrick.
Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil with the mission of restoring the nation to global dominance, believes mentality will define the tournament.
“The World Cup won’t be won by a perfect team,because a perfect team doesn’t exist,” Ancelotti said.
“It will be won by the most resilient team.”
Brazil open their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13 before facing Haiti and Scotland in what promises to be an exciting group stage battle.
With Neymar back in the fold, expectations in Brazil have immediately skyrocketed. Supporters will hope the nation’s all-time leading scorer, with 79 goals in 128 appearances, can finally help deliver the one trophy that has painfully eluded him throughout his glittering career.
And if this truly becomes Neymar’s final World Cup dance, Brazil will be desperate to make it unforgettable.
Brazil 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
- Alisson – Liverpool (England)
- Ederson – Fenerbahce (Turkey)
- Weverton – Gremio (Brazil)
Defenders
- Alex Sandro – Flamengo (Brazil)
- Danilo – Flamengo (Brazil)
- Leo Pereira – Flamengo (Brazil)
- Bremer – Juventus (Italy)
- Douglas Santos – Zenit St Petersburg (Russia)
- Gabriel Magalhães – Arsenal (England)
- Ibanez – Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
- Marquinhos – Paris Saint-Germain (France)
- Wesley – Roma (Italy)
Midfielders
- Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle United (England)
- Casemiro – Manchester United (England)
- Danilo – Botafogo (Brazil)
- Fabinho – Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
- Lucas Paqueta – Flamengo (Brazil)
Forwards
- Endrick – Lyon (France)
- Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal (England)
- Igor Thiago – Brentford (England)
- Luiz Henrique – Zenit (Russia)
- Matheus Cunha – Manchester United (England)
- Neymar – Santos (Brazil)
- Raphinha – Barcelona (Spain)
- Rayan – Bournemouth (England)
- Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid (Spain)