Neymar Returns to Brazil's 2026 World Cup Squad

Brazil released its 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 18 May 2026. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed forward Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, 34, as part of the list. Brazil will open Group C against Morocco on 13 June in New Jersey, followed by Haiti and Scotland.

Al Jazeera (website)Latin TimesThe Sporting News'Neymar's Surprise World Cup Selection' Ancelotti: "Analyzed Him All Year, Sad to Exclude Joao Pedro"

Neymar has not played for Brazil since rupturing his left-knee ACL and meniscus in October 2023. After surgery and rehabilitation, he returned to Santos, recording four goals and two assists in eight league matches and later six goals with four assists in fifteen total appearances.

The Hindu

The squad retains attackers Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) and Raphinha (Barcelona). Other forwards include Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit) and Rayan (Bournemouth). Goalkeepers are Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe) and Weverton (Grêmio). Defenders feature Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain) among others. Injured absentees include Rodrygo, Estevão and João Pedro.

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• Neymar: 79 goals, 128 caps for Brazil; 34 years old.

Reuters

• Brazil FIFA ranking: 6th (May 2026).

Latin Times

• Squad: 26 players (3 GK, 9 DF, 5 MF, 9 FW).

The Independent

• Recent Santos output: 4 goals/2 assists (8 matches) or 6 goals/4 assists (15 matches).

'Neymar's Surprise World Cup Selection' Ancelotti: "Analyzed Him All Year, Sad to Exclude Joao Pedro"

Ancelotti said Neymar earned his place through recent consistency and improved physical condition, noting that experience was a factor in certain positions. He expressed regret for players left out and thanked the squad’s contributors. Neymar reported feeling physically great and improving with each game.

The Hindu

Local analysts and former players questioned Neymar’s fitness and called his selection unlikely, given his injury record. The omission of João Pedro and the loss of Rodrygo and Estevão to injury also drew surprise and criticism.

World Cup: How Neymar convinced Ancelotti to include him in Brazil's World Cup squad

Supporters assembled outside Rio’s Museum of Tomorrow chanting “Olé, Olé, Olé, Ola, Ney-mar!” and displayed signs urging Ancelotti to include the forward, reflecting strong popular backing for his return.

Sports Illustrated

Sources differ on Neymar’s recent output (four goals/two assists in eight matches versus six goals/four assists in fifteen matches) and on the announcement date (18 May versus 19 May). No detailed medical report is provided, leaving his long-term injury risk unquantified.

The Hindu

• “We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition,” — Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil head coach

Reuters

• “Physically, I feel great. I've been improving with every game,” — Neymar, forward

Reuters

• “Some of the players who were with us this year won't be happy with this list. I'm sorry, and I want to thank everyone who was with us,” — Carlo Ancelotti

Reuters

• “Neymar will be an important player for us at the World Cup,” — Carlo Ancelotti (Sports Illustrated)

Sports Illustrated

Brazil will play a warm-up against Panama on 1 July at the Maracanã, then travel to the United States. Neymar joins the Granja Comary training camp on 25 May, where his fitness will be monitored before the opening match on 13 June.

Neymar (Santus), Brazil's most goalscorer in the A-match, has a chance to play in the 2026 FIFA Nort. .