Brazil’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun and the biggest headline is impossible to ignore. Neymar is back.
After nearly two years away from international football due to a devastating knee injury, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer has been named in Carlo Ancelotti’s official 26-man squad for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The squad announcement, held at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro, marks the beginning of a new era for Brazilian football under Ancelotti one built on experience, attacking flair, and the hope of reclaiming football’s biggest prize. For Brazilian fans, Neymar’s return feels bigger than football.
The 34-year-old suffered a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in 2023, an injury that many feared could end his international career. Months of rehabilitation followed, alongside questions about whether he would ever return to the highest level again.
But now, after gradually rebuilding fitness with Santos, Neymar is back wearing the yellow shirt once more.
His inclusion is not just symbolic. Even while working towards full match sharpness, Neymar remains Brazil’s emotional leader, creative engine, and one of the most gifted players in world football.
For a squad filled with young attacking stars, his experience could prove decisive. The appointment of Carlo Ancelotti brought excitement and curiosity across the football world. Now, his first World Cup squad reveals the direction he wants Brazil to take.
The squad balances established stars with emerging talent, combining defensive experience with explosive attacking options.
Players like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to play major roles in attack, while experienced names such as Casemiro and Marquinhos provide leadership and stability.
Ancelotti’s calm personality and tactical flexibility could be exactly what Brazil need after years of falling short in major tournaments.
Brazil’s Full 2026 World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
- Alisson Becker
- Ederson
- Weverton
Defenders
- Alex Sandro
- Bremer
- Danilo
- Gabriel Magalhaes
- Marquinhos
- Leo Pereira
Midfielders
- Bruno Guimaraes
- Casemiro
- Fabinho
- Lucas Paqueta
Forwards
- Endrick
- Gabriel Martinelli
- Matheus Cunha
- Neymar
- Raphinha
- Vinicius Junior
Brazil’s World Cup Group and Fixtures
Brazil will begin their World Cup journey against Morocco national football team at MetLife Stadium on June 13.
Group C also includes:
- Scotland national football team
- Haiti national football team
Before the tournament officially starts, Brazil will play warm-up friendlies against:
- Panama national football team
- Egypt national football team
Brazil always arrive at the World Cup carrying enormous expectations. But this year feels slightly different.
There is renewed excitement around the squad, fresh leadership on the touchline, and a sense that Neymar’s comeback has emotionally united the team and supporters.
At the same time, the pressure remains enormous. Brazil have not lifted the World Cup trophy since 2002, despite producing generation after generation of elite talent.
The challenge for Ancelotti will be turning individual brilliance into a complete team capable of surviving the pressure, intensity, and unpredictability of the modern World Cup.
Neymar’s return feels like one of the defining stories heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Football rarely gives players a perfect script, but Neymar now has one final opportunity to lead Brazil on the biggest stage. Alongside stars like Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Endrick, the Selecao suddenly look dangerous again.
For Carlo Ancelotti, the mission is simple but massive: restore Brazil to the top of world football. And with Neymar back in the squad, belief has returned with him.
