Neymar has officially been named in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, marking his first appearance in a major international tournament for the Seleção since suffering a devastating injury in October 2023.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed the final 26-man roster during a grand gala event in Rio de Janeiro, with Neymar’s inclusion immediately becoming the main talking point.
A Controversial Comeback
The decision to call up the 34-year-old superstar has sparked fierce debate across Brazil in recent weeks. National polls indicated that fans were heavily divided on whether the veteran forward deserved a spot in the team.
Despite the outside noise, Ancelotti ultimately placed his trust in the Santos FC attacker, paving the way for Neymar to compete in the fourth World Cup of his legendary career, following campaigns in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
The Biggest Shocks: Joao Pedro and Richarlison Dropped
While Neymar’s return made headlines, the biggest shock of the night was the omission of Joao Pedro from the final list.
The Chelsea forward had been considered a crucial tactical piece under Ancelotti over the past year due to his versatility across the frontline. However, inconsistent form at the club level ultimately cost him his ticket to North America.
Speaking after the announcement, Ancelotti admitted the brutal nature of the selection process: “It is very difficult to choose 26 players because the level of competition in this country is incredibly high. I understand that there will be disappointed players.”
Alongside Joao Pedro, two other notable Premier League names—Andrey Santos and Richarlison—also failed to make the final cut.
Surprise Inclusions: Rayan and Igor Thiago
On the flip side, the call-ups of Igor Thiago and rising 19-year-old talent Rayan provided exciting surprises.
Rayan’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Just six months ago, the teenager was barely a blip on the national team radar. But following a highly successful January transfer to Bournemouth, his explosive performances forced his way into the World Cup squad. Meanwhile, Lucas Paqueta also successfully secured his spot after seemingly falling down the pecking order in recent months.
An Injury-Ravaged Roster
Brazil will head into the 2026 World Cup missing a host of crucial players due to severe injuries. Real Madrid duo Rodrygo (torn ACL) and Eder Militao (knee recovery) are both officially out. Additionally, teenage sensation Estevao Willian failed to recover in time from a hamstring injury he sustained while playing for Chelsea in April.
These absences have forced Ancelotti to entirely restructure his attack, though Brazil still boasts a terrifying offensive arsenal featuring Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, and Neymar.
The biggest tactical concern for the Seleção lies in the full-back positions. While Douglas Santos is heavily favored to start on the left, the right-back slot remains a glaring puzzle, with Ancelotti having to choose between Wesley, Roger Ibanez, and veteran Danilo.
The Road Ahead
The Brazilian squad will officially convene on May 27 to begin their final preparations. They are scheduled to play two warm-up friendlies: one against Panama at the iconic Maracana Stadium, and another against Egypt in Cleveland, USA.
Brazil will kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
