Neymar has officially secured his place in FIFA World Cup 2026 after returning to Brazil’s national squad following nearly two years away from international football. The 34-year-old Santos forward was included in coach Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man Brazil squad during an official announcement in Rio de Janeiro on Monday night.
The selection marks a dramatic comeback for Neymar, whose international future had been uncertain because of repeated injuries and concerns over his fitness.
Neymar Returns After Difficult Recovery
Neymar has not represented Brazil national football team since October 2023. In recent months, the forward fought to rebuild his fitness after returning to his childhood club Santos FC. During that period, he faced heavy criticism in Brazil regarding both his physical condition and off-field lifestyle.
Many fans and football experts questioned whether he still deserved a place in the national squad. However, Ancelotti continued to support the veteran forward and never ruled out his return.
“He has improved his fitness," the Italian manager said after announcing the squad. “He will be an important player in this World Cup." Ancelotti also stressed the value of Neymar’s experience inside the dressing room.
“He can still improve his fitness until the first match of the World Cup," Ancelotti added. “He has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group; he can create a better environment in this group."
Neymar Faces Likely Final World Cup
The upcoming tournament will mark Neymar’s fourth World Cup appearance and likely the final chapter of his international career. He impressed fans during the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil before a serious injury forced him to miss the humiliating semi-final defeat against Germany.
Neymar later returned for the FIFA World Cup 2018 and the FIFA World Cup 2022, but Brazil failed to move beyond the quarter-finals in both tournaments.
Now, the player once viewed as Brazil’s footballing saviour has one last chance to guide his country to World Cup success after more than 20 years of disappointment.
Brazil’s Group Stage Fixtures
Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign in Group C against Morocco on June 14. The team will then face Haiti and Scotland in the remaining group matches.
Brazil’s 26-Man Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Ederson, Weverton
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Léo Pereira, Bremer, Ibanez, Wesley França, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos
Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Danilo Santos, Fabinho, Lucas Paquetá
Forwards: Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior, Luiz Henrique, Neymar, Rayan