Neymar's return highlights Brazil squad

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Neymar's return highlights Brazil squad image

Carlo Ancelotti has announced the Brazil squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with superstar Neymar making the cut.

The squad list was read by the Italian coach during an event at the Museum of Tomorrow, a major tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro.

Many questions surrounded whether Ancelotti would include Neymar Jr. in the list, especially after leaving him off the roster for their friendlies in March. The 34-year-old Santos man had not been called up by Brazil since 2023, but has consistently expressed his desperation to go to the tournament, despite struggling with hamstring and knee injuries over the last year.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - MAY 18: Brazilian national team coach Carlo Ancelotti attends during the announcement of the Brazilian squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Museu do Amanhã on May 18, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

In the end, Neymar's wish will come true, as he will play in his fourth World Cup after having his name called, much to the delight of those in attendance.

In addition to Neymar, other stars such as Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha were confirmed, as were Marquinhos, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes – three finalists in the current edition of the UEFA Champions League.

Brazil is the most successful team in the history of the FIFA World Cup™, with five titles (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002), but haven't won the World Cup in 24 years. Interestingly, the 1970 and 1994 titles also had a 24-year gap – and the drought ended in 1994 with the title won in the USA, the country that will host the 2026 final.

Brazil kicks off their Group C campaign against Morocco on 13 June in New York New Jersey. The Seleção then head to Philadelphia, where they face Haiti on 19 June, before closing the group stage on 24 June against Scotland in Miami.

The squad announcement comes just days after the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed a contract extension for Ancelotti that will go through the 2030 FIFA World Cup™.

Brazil's football team new head coach, Italian Carlo Ancelotti (L) receives the team's jacket from Brazilian football manager and Brazil's former head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, during his official presentation at a hotel in Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 26, 2025. (Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP) (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images)

"We will have a list from which we can develop quality football, with a collective spirit," said Ancelotti prior to announcing the squad. "The perfect list isn't there, I'm sure. I have to say that the perfect team won't win the World Cup, a perfect team doesn't exist. I think a more resilient team can win. We want to be the most resilient team in the world.

"I'm not afraid to say that we want to win the World Cup, because there are high expectations. Motivation is an important aspect in preparing for this World Cup."

Explore hospitality packages for Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches

Brazil's World Cup squad

Goalkeepers

Alisson Ederson Weverton

Defenders

Alex Sandro Bremer Danilo Douglas Santos Gabriel Magalhees Ibanez Leo Pereira Marquinhos Wesley

Midfielders

Bruno Guimaraes Casemiro Danilo Santos Fabinho Lucas Paqueta

Forwards

Endrick Gabriel Martinelli Igor Thiago Luiz Henrique Matheus Cunha Neymar Junior Raphinha Rayan Vinicius Junior

All squads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following their submission by participating teams, on 2 June.

Brazil’s World Cup 2026 fixtures

13 June: Brazil v Morocco - New York New Jersey Stadium
19 June: Brazil v Haiti - Philadelphia Stadium
24 June: Scotland v Brazil - Miami Stadium