Rio de Janeiro: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named a 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with star forward Neymar making a high-profile return after a prolonged injury absence.
The 34-year-old Santos attacker, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, will feature in his fourth World Cup after previously playing in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions. His inclusion drew strong reactions from fans during the official squad announcement ceremony held in Rio de Janeiro.
Ancelotti said Neymar’s selection followed careful monitoring of his fitness and form throughout the year with emphasis placed on consistency and physical readiness.
Brazil’s squad features a strong mix of experienced internationals and emerging talent as the five-time champions prepare for the expanded World Cup.
Brazil 26-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)
Defenders: Marquinhos (PSG), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Wesley (Roma), Leo Pereira (Flamengo)
Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Danilo Santos (Botafogo)
Forwards: Neymar (Santos), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Endrick (Lyon), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Rayan (Bournemouth)
Notable omissions include Chelsea forward João Pedro despite a strong season, along with injured players Rodrygo, Éder Militão, and Estevão.
Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco in New Jersey, followed by group-stage matches against Haiti and Scotland, as they aim to win a record-extending sixth World Cup title across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
