I couldn't hold back my tears. Neymar (34, LAFC) cried his eyes out after his dramatic confirmation to participate in the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) North and Central American World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti, who leads the Brazil national football team, on the 19th (Korea time) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, announced the final 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA North and Central American World Cup. Brazil is placed in Group C with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.
The biggest topic in this squad call-up was undoubtedly Neymar's surprise return. Neymar had been distant from the Brazil national team due to injuries and poor form, but he succeeded in joining the national team for the first time since 2023. Thanks to that, he realized his dream of appearing at the World Cup once again, making this his fourth World Cup appearance following 2014, 2018 and 2022.
With this, Neymar joins the ranks of another player to appear at the World Cup four times alongside "football emperor" Pelé, Cafu, Ronaldo and Thiago Silva. He is already Brazil's all-time leading scorer, having scored 79 goals in 128 A matches since his debut in 2010. At the World Cup, he has appeared in 12 matches, recording eight goals and three assists.
Watching Ancelotti's roster announcement live, Neymar roared, throwing his arms up when his name was called. He hugged his girlfriend and shared his joy. Friends loudly congratulated him and enjoyed a party.
He was so joyful that he cried. Shortly after, Neymar bowed his head and sobbed quietly, and for a while he could not lift his head, unable to contain his overwhelming emotions. There was an audio error during the broadcast, but unable to contain his intense feelings, he even let out affectionate strong-language exclamations.
It wasn't only Neymar. The Museu do Amanhã, where Ancelotti announced the roster, was also filled with tremendous cheers at the news of Neymar's inclusion. Excited fans rose from their seats, singing Neymar's chants and going wild. Elsewhere across Brazil, scenes of fans cheering for Neymar's return were captured.
Now Neymar plans to raise his condition over the remaining month and prepare for his "last dance." He has been playing for his former club Santos since January last year, and since undergoing knee meniscus surgery in December last year he has been playing without major injury. This season he has been managing his playing time to avoid muscle overload, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 15 matches.
Meanwhile, Neymar left a thank-you message on his YouTube channel. He said, "I can't help being emotional. After everything we've been through, after all the time people watched what I've gone through, I can compete in another World Cup. It's hard to believe. These are tears of pure happiness."
Neymar added, "I sincerely thank all the Brazilian people who cheered and supported me. We must fight for another World Cup. I will give everything to bring the trophy back to Brazil," expressing his determination.
Ancelotti hinted that he plans to use Neymar "as a more centrally positioned forward." Choosing Neymar instead of João Pedro (Chelsea), he explained, "Neymar has been consistently playing in recent matches. He can further improve his condition before the first World Cup match. I judged that this kind of tournament experience and his presence within the squad can have a positive impact on the team atmosphere."
Of course, Neymar must overcome fierce competition to actually play in matches. Ancelotti said, "We have evaluated Neymar throughout the year. Recently he has been playing and his condition has improved. He is an important player and will play an important role in the World Cup," while also saying, "Neymar has the same responsibilities as the other 25 players. He may start, he may be on the bench, or he may come on as a substitute."
[Photo] Neymar, 433 social media.
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