Carlo Ancelotti includes Neymar Jr in Brazil’s 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joined by Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and a strong core of European-based stars.
Brazil's Neymar celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's opening goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Croatia and Brazil, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.(Photo:Suman Chattopadhyay/IANS)
Brazil have officially announced their 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti naming a balanced mix of experienced leaders and emerging talent as the five-time champions prepare for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
The announcement was made at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro, a landmark venue overlooking the city’s waterfront, as anticipation builds around Brazil’s bid to end a 24-year World Cup drought.
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The biggest headline is the return of Neymar Jr, who makes it back into the national setup after being left out of recent friendlies.
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The 34-year-old forward, now with Santos, had not played for Brazil since 2023 and has battled recurring hamstring and knee injuries. Despite doubts over his fitness, his inclusion signals Ancelotti’s trust in his experience and creative impact.
Brazil’s attack also features Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid, Raphinha of Barcelona, Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal, and a deep pool of forwards including Endrick, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, and Rayan.
In midfield, the squad includes Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá, and Fabinho, offering a blend of defensive stability and ball progression. The defensive unit is led by Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain, alongside Gabriel Magalhães of Arsenal, Bremer, Danilo, and Alex Sandro.
Speaking at the announcement, Ancelotti stressed that perfection is not required to win a World Cup, but resilience is key.
“The perfect team won’t win the World Cup. A more resilient team can win. We want to be the most resilient team in the world,” he said.
He also underlined Brazil’s ambition to win the title outright, adding that motivation will play a crucial role in their preparation.
Brazil begin their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New York/New Jersey, before facing Haiti in Philadelphia on June 19, and Scotland in Miami on June 24.
The squad enters the tournament with high expectations as Brazil remain the most successful nation in World Cup history, with five titles (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002), but none in the last 24 years.
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 Junior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth).
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