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Ancelotti Adds Neymar to Brazil’s 55-Man 2026 Squad

5/13/2026

Summary

Neymar Added

Coach Carlo Ancelotti added Neymar to Brazil’s 55-man provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since tearing his ACL in the 2-0 loss to Uruguay in 2023.
He logged four goals, two assists in seven Serie A matches and six goals, three assists in 13 games for Santos in 2026.
Ancelotti will announce the 26-player squad on May 18 in Rio, as teammates urge Neymar’s inclusion.

Summary

Brazil Sets Squad

Brazil was placed in Group C of the 2026 World Cup, with its opening match against Morocco set for 16 June 2026.
FIFA rules let Brazil replace an injured or ill player 24 hours before its first game, allowing a change by 15 June 2026.
The roster lists goalkeepers Alisson, Ederson and Hugo Souza; defenders Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Thiago Silva; midfielders Casemiro and Fabinho; forwards Vinícius Jr., Neymar and Estêvão, who transferred from Palmeiras for £29 million (US$38 million) last summer.

History

Historical Context

In 2002, FIFA staged its first Asian, jointly hosted World Cup in Japan and South Korea, where Brazil captured its fifth championship, defeating Germany 2-0. Brazil, the only nation to appear at every tournament, now faces squad-depth questions as coach Carlo Ancelotti weighs Neymar’s 2023 ACL recovery for the 55-man provisional list ahead of the Group C opener on 16 June 2026.

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Neymar Added

Coach Carlo Ancelotti added Neymar to Brazil’s 55-man provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since tearing his ACL in the 2-0 loss to Uruguay in 2023.
He logged four goals, two assists in seven Serie A matches and six goals, three assists in 13 games for Santos in 2026.
Ancelotti will announce the 26-player squad on May 18 in Rio, as teammates urge Neymar’s inclusion.

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