Brazil has included star forward Neymar in their World Cup squad, a decision that surprised many analysts who had doubted his readiness due to lingering fitness issues.
The 34-year-old striker, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, is set to feature in his fourth World Cup. However, he has struggled to regain peak form since suffering a serious ACL injury in October 2023. This year, he has made eight appearances for Santos FC, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence in Neymar’s inclusion, saying the forward has shown improvement and could play a key role in the tournament.
“He has improved his fitness, he will be an important player in this World Cup,” Ancelotti told reporters, adding that experience was a key factor behind several selections.
The coach also said Neymar still has time to further build his fitness ahead of Brazil’s opening match, highlighting his experience and influence within the squad.
Shortly before the squad announcement, Neymar updated his social media profile to include Brazil alongside his club affiliation, signaling his readiness for international duty.
Brazil’s 26-man squad also features key attacking players such as Vinicius Junior and Raphinha.
Ancelotti, who took charge of the national team in May 2025, recently extended his contract through the 2030 World Cup. However, he faces challenges due to injuries to several players, including forwards Rodrygo and Estevao, who were left out of the squad.
Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13, before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.
Brazil Squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg)
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (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).