SouthernWorldwide.com – One of the most electric players of his generation is set to make a return for what could be his final shot at World Cup glory.
Neymar has been officially named in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has included the 34-year-old forward as part of the 26-man roster. The Italian coach, who took over the Brazilian national team in May 2025, has not summoned Neymar until this recent announcement.
This will mark Neymar’s fourth appearance in a World Cup, having made his debut in the 2014 tournament, which was hosted in his home country. He was instrumental in Brazil’s Olympic gold medal victory in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. Neymar currently holds the record as Brazil’s leading men’s scorer with an impressive 79 goals. However, he has faced significant challenges in regaining peak fitness following a torn left ACL sustained in October 2023.
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Neymar first rose to prominence at Santos, quickly establishing himself as one of football’s most exciting talents. During his time there, he secured domestic titles and the coveted 2011 Copa Libertadores. His impressive performances led to a move to Barcelona in 2013, where he went on to win the UEFA Champions League in 2015. In 2017, Neymar made a world-record transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, collecting numerous league titles despite persistent injury issues. A brief spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal followed, before he eventually returned to his boyhood club, Santos.
Ancelotti’s selection for the 26-man squad also predictably includes Brazil’s key players from recent years. Among them are Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior and Barcelona forward Raphinha, both expected to play crucial roles.
Brazil’s 26-man roster:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg)
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)
Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth).
