It's an astonishing twist. Neymar (34, Santos) dramatically made the final roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, securing his fourth World Cup appearance.
FIFA's website on the 19th (Korea time) reported, "Coach Carlo Ancelotti selected Neymar and Vinícius Júnior and announced the Brazil squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil is in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland," it said.
The biggest topic in this call-up list was undoubtedly Neymar's surprise return. Neymar had been distant from the Brazil national team because of injuries and poor form, but he succeeded in rejoining the squad for the first time since 2023. As a result, he will fulfill his dream of another World Cup appearance, making his fourth tournament appearance following 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Ancelotti, who picked Neymar for the first time since taking charge of the Brazil national team, said, "We have evaluated Neymar throughout the year. Recently he has been playing and his physical condition has improved. He is an important player and will play an important role in the World Cup," expressing his expectations.
In fact, Ancelotti has consistently shown affection for Neymar. He tried several times to call Neymar up, but injuries repeatedly got in the way. A rematch with his peer Son Heung-min was expected in the friendly held on Korean soil last October, but it was canceled due to a thigh problem.
Still, Ancelotti did not close the door, saying Neymar could join the North American World Cup if he regained his fitness. After being left out of the squad in March, Neymar vowed, "It's disappointing and sad. But it is already done. I will keep working and focusing day by day. Only then can I reach my goals and be ready when the opportunity comes. The final roster remains," he said resolutely.
And finally Neymar received Ancelotti's call. Ancelotti said, "Neymar has the same responsibilities as the other 25 players. He could start, be on the bench or come on as a substitute. For forward and goalkeeper positions we prioritized experience," he said.
João Pedro, who plays for Chelsea, was left out in favor of Neymar. Ancelotti explained that he plans to use Neymar "as a more centrally positioned forward," and said, "Neymar has been playing consistently in recent matches. He can further improve his condition before Brazil's first World Cup match. We judged that his tournament experience and presence within the squad could have a positive impact on the team atmosphere."
With this, Neymar joins "football emperor" Pelé, Cafu, Ronaldo, Thiago Silva and others as another player to appear in four World Cups. He is already Brazil's all-time top scorer, with 79 goals in 128 A internationals since his debut in 2010. In World Cups he has appeared in 12 matches, recording 8 goals and 3 assists.
Neymar now plans to spend the remaining month further improving his condition as he prepares for the "last dance." Playing for his former club Santos since January last year, he has had no major injuries since undergoing meniscus surgery on his knee in December last year. To avoid muscle overload this season, his playing time has been managed, and he has scored 6 goals and 4 assists in 15 matches.
Besides Neymar, key forwards such as Vinícius (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona) and Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) were chosen by Ancelotti. Other players expected to link up with Neymar include Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Igor Thiago (Brentford) and Endrick (Lyon).
Ancelotti said, "Choosing 26 players was very difficult. Brazil is a country with fierce competition," and added, "We want to be the most relentless team in the world. I am not afraid to talk about the possibility of winning the World Cup. If you ask whether we can reach the final, I would say yes. The best outcome is to reach the final and win."
■ 2026 North American World Cup Brazil 26-man final squad
- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Grêmio)
- Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ivánes (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)
- Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)
- Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luís Enrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Hayang (Bournemouth), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)<
[Photo] 433, Give Me Sport, Fabrizio Romano, Brazil Football Confederation social media.
[OSEN]