Carlo Ancelotti has handed Neymar a place in Brazil's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, ending a near three-year international absence for the country's all-time leading goalscorer.

The 34-year-old, who returned to Santos last year after his injury-plagued spell in Saudi Arabia, has played 14 games for his hometown club this season. Ancelotti — who was appointed Brazil head coach last year — revealed his selections at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, with supporters cheering audibly the moment Neymar's name was read out.

"We spent the entire year analysing Neymar," the Italian coach said. "We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition." It is a calculated risk, but one Ancelotti has clearly felt comfortable taking after monitoring the forward closely throughout the campaign.

With 79 goals in 128 international appearances, Neymar stands alone as Brazil's record scorer. His last cap came in 2023 before a serious knee injury effectively wiped out the following season. Should he feature in the United States this summer, it will be his fourth World Cup, having also represented the Selecão in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Premier League stars feature prominently

The squad is packed with players familiar to followers of the top flight here in England. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker earns his place despite missing the Reds' last ten fixtures through injury. Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães is included, as are Manchester United pair Casemiro and Matheus Cunha. Arsenal defender Gabriel completes a strong contingent from clubs currently at the sharp end of the Premier League season.

Brentford striker Igor Thiago and Bournemouth forward Rayan are perhaps the more eye-catching domestic inclusions, with both having impressed during a challenging campaign for their respective clubs.

One notable absentee is Chelsea's Joao Pedro, who has been his club's leading Premier League scorer this season with 15 goals and five assists — yet still finds himself outside Ancelotti's plans. It will be a bitter pill for the forward and will no doubt fuel debate about the selectorial logic at play.

World-class attack to face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland

Beyond the home-based and Premier League contingent, the attacking options are genuinely formidable. Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Barcelona's Raphinha both make the cut, as does 19-year-old Endrick, currently on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid and already attracting considerable attention at club level.

Brazil have been drawn in Group C and open their tournament against Morocco on 13 June, before facing Haiti on 20 June. Their final group fixture — which will carry significant interest for a British audience — is against Scotland on 24 June.

The expanded 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, gets under way on 11 June. Brazil arrive as five-time world champions and, on paper at least, among the strongest squads in the competition.

Full Brazil squad

  • Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Grêmio)
  • Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg)
  • Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (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)

Frequently asked

Is Neymar in Brazil's World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Neymar has been named in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup. The Santos forward has not played for Brazil since 2023 but has shown sufficient fitness to earn a recall.
Which Premier League players are in Brazil's World Cup squad?
Several Premier League players feature, including Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United), Casemiro and Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), and Rayan (Bournemouth). Chelsea's Joao Pedro was notably left out.
Who are Brazil playing in the 2026 World Cup group stage?
Brazil are in Group C and face Morocco on 13 June, Haiti on 20 June, and Scotland on 24 June. All three matches take place in the United States as part of the expanded 48-team tournament.