2026 World Cup: Neymar named in Brazil's 26-man squad

Brazil forward Neymar has been officially named in head coach Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The announcement was made during a ceremony held in Rio de Janeiro, where fans erupted in cheers upon hearing Neymar's name. At 34 years old, Neymar continues to be a pivotal figure in Brazilian football, having scored an impressive 79 goals in 128 appearances for the national team, making him the all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil. Despite his remarkable record, Neymar's journey to this World Cup has not been without challenges. He has not played for the national team since 2023 due to ongoing struggles with injuries. However, Ancelotti expressed confidence in Neymar's current physical condition, stating that the team spent the entire year analyzing his performance and fitness. The coach emphasized that Neymar has shown continuity and is in good shape, which ultimately led to his selection for the squad. The Brazilian squad also includes notable players such as Alisson Becker, who has recently recovered from injury, and Manchester United's Casemiro. Other key players selected are Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes and Arsenal's Gabriel. However, Chelsea's Joao Pedro, despite being the club's top scorer this season, has not made the cut. The squad features a mix of experienced players and young talents, including 19-year-old striker Endrick, who is currently on loan at Lyon. Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, is set to face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in the group stage of the tournament. The expanded 48-team World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With Neymar's inclusion, fans are hopeful that he can lead Brazil to another World Cup victory, adding to his already illustrious career.