Neymar is back. After three years away from international football, the 34-year-old Santos forward has been named in Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, ending a prolonged absence caused by a succession of serious injuries.

The announcement was made at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, where fans cheered loudly when Neymar's name was read out — a reminder of just how much his inclusion matters to Brazilian supporters, however complicated his relationship with consistent fitness has been in recent years.

Ancelotti, who was appointed Brazil head coach last year, was measured in his justification. "We spent the entire year analysing Neymar," the 66-year-old Italian said. "We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition." Neymar has made 14 appearances for Santos this season, giving Ancelotti enough of a sample to feel comfortable selecting him.

It will be Neymar's fourth World Cup, having also featured at the 2014 tournament on home soil, the 2018 edition in Russia and the 2022 finals in Qatar. He remains Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, though his last cap came in 2023 before injury once again cut short his campaign.

Premier League Presence Throughout the Squad

The broader squad selection underlines just how many Brazil internationals are plying their trade in England. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been included despite missing the Reds' last ten matches through injury. Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães is named, as are Manchester United pair Casemiro and Matheus Cunha. Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães also makes the cut, alongside Brentford striker Igor Thiago and Bournemouth forward Rayan.

One notable omission is Chelsea forward João Pedro, who ends the Premier League season as the Blues' top scorer with 15 goals and five assists yet finds himself on the outside looking in. It is a significant call by Ancelotti given João Pedro's output this campaign, and it will sting for the player personally.

The squad also features La Liga's leading lights: Vinicius Júnior of Real Madrid and Barcelona's Raphinha both make the cut, as does 19-year-old forward Endrick, currently on loan at Lyon from Real Madrid.

Scotland Await in Group C

For Scotland supporters, the inclusion of Neymar will sharpen interest in what was already a daunting Group C assignment. Brazil face Morocco on 13 June and Haiti on 20 June before meeting Steve Clarke's Scotland side on 24 June in the group's final round of fixtures.

The expanded 48-team tournament — hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico — gets under way on 11 June, and Scotland will know well in advance what kind of team they are likely to face by the time that third group game arrives.

Whether Neymar can sustain fitness across the tournament remains the central question around his selection. His talent has never been in doubt; his body has simply not cooperated. Ancelotti has made a considered bet that this time will be different.

Brazil's Full 26-Man Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)
  • 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 Júnior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth)

Frequently asked

When do Brazil play Scotland at the 2026 World Cup?
Brazil face Scotland on 24 June 2026 in their final Group C match. Brazil's earlier games are against Morocco on 13 June and Haiti on 20 June.
Why has Neymar not played for Brazil since 2023?
Neymar has been sidelined for long stretches due to serious injuries. He last appeared for the Selecao in 2023 and has only recently returned to regular club football with Santos, which persuaded Ancelotti to include him.
Which Premier League players are in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad?
Liverpool's Alisson Becker, Newcastle's Bruno Guimarães, Manchester United's Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, Arsenal's Gabriel, Brentford's Igor Thiago and Bournemouth's Rayan are all included. Chelsea's João Pedro misses out despite a strong Premier League season.