Neymar will appear at a fourth World Cup after Carlo Ancelotti named him in Brazil's 26-man squad for the 2026 tournament, putting to rest months of speculation over whether the Santos forward's body would hold up following a serious knee injury.

The announcement was made at a gala event in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, and Ancelotti was clear in his reasoning. "He has improved his fitness," the Brazil head coach said of the 34-year-old. "He will be an important player in this World Cup." Those words carry weight given that Neymar ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament more than two years ago and has only recently returned to competitive football with his boyhood club Santos, whom he rejoined last year after a spell with Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal.

Brazil's all-time leading scorer — 79 international goals and counting — Neymar has appeared at three previous World Cups, scoring eight times across the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions. The Seleção are still chasing their first world title since 2002, and Ancelotti evidently believes his most celebrated forward can help end that 24-year wait.

Premier League presence in the squad

The selection also highlights the strength of Brazilian talent currently playing in England. Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior is the most high-profile name alongside Neymar, but Bournemouth winger Rayan and Brentford striker Igor Thiago have also earned their places in the final 26.

The inclusion that will sting most in English football circles, however, is the omission of Chelsea's João Pedro. The 24-year-old had featured for Brazil in international competition during the qualifying cycle and many observers expected him to earn his first World Cup call-up. Ancelotti chose differently, preferring the experience of Neymar and the form of others ahead of the Stamford Bridge forward.

"It was very difficult to choose these 26 players," Ancelotti acknowledged. "The competition in this country is very, very high. I know some players who have been with us this year will be unhappy." It was as candid an admission as you will hear from an international manager, and it speaks to the depth of the Brazilian pool that a Premier League regular of João Pedro's calibre misses out entirely.

A gamble that could define Ancelotti's tenure

Selecting Neymar is not without risk. The former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona forward has not sustained a full competitive season since before his ACL surgery, and the demands of a World Cup — particularly in the knockout rounds — will test his rehabilitation thoroughly. Yet Ancelotti is not a manager given to sentiment; if Neymar is in the squad, it is because the coaching staff genuinely believe he can contribute.

The market has long made Brazil one of the favourites for the tournament, and the squad as a whole has the quality to justify that billing. But the Neymar question will hang over their campaign from the first group game. One significant injury setback, and the decision to leave João Pedro at home will face intense scrutiny.

For now, though, the story is one of a remarkable comeback. Four World Cups, 79 goals for his country, and at 34 years old, one more chance to lift the trophy that has eluded Brazil for nearly a quarter of a century.

Frequently asked

Why was Neymar's inclusion in the Brazil squad in doubt?
Neymar tore his anterior cruciate ligament more than two years ago and struggled to regain full fitness during his time with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. His place was uncertain until coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed he had shown sufficient improvement to be selected.
Why was João Pedro left out of Brazil's World Cup squad?
Chelsea forward João Pedro was the most notable omission from Brazil's 26-man squad. Carlo Ancelotti opted for Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, Rayan and Igor Thiago among others, saying the competition for places was extremely high.
How many World Cups has Neymar played in?
The 2026 tournament will be Neymar's fourth World Cup. He previously appeared at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions, scoring eight goals across those three tournaments.