Neymar Recalled to Brazil World Cup Squad Despite Doubts on Fitness

Brazil superstar Neymar received a dramatic recall to the national squad on Monday, returning to the international stage after a near three-year absence. The inclusion of the 34-year-old forward—Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances—is the headline surprise in the final 26-man roster announced by head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti revealed his highly anticipated selection during a gala ceremony at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro. The announcement drew loud cheers from hundreds of fans who had gathered outside the venue chanting and carrying signs in support of the legendary number 10.

Speculation over Neymar’s international future had persisted for months. The veteran forward, a survivor of the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, had not suited up for the Seleção since tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on October 17, 2023. A grueling recovery process and an injury-plagued stint in Saudi Arabia kept him sidelined through multiple coaching transitions, leading Ancelotti to exclude him from March friendlies against France and Croatia due to fitness concerns.

However, after rejoining his boyhood club Santos in January and showing significant physical progression, Neymar convinced Ancelotti he was ready for the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

"He has improved his fitness considerably," Ancelotti told reporters during the press conference. "He will be a crucial asset for this World Cup. We did not choose Neymar to simply sit on the bench. We selected him because he can change a game—whether he plays for one minute, ninety minutes, or is called upon to execute a crucial penalty."

Shortly before the official presentation, Neymar dropped a massive hint regarding his inclusion by updating his Instagram biography to feature the Brazilian national flag alongside Santos. Ancelotti, who assumed control of the team in May 2025, had never called up the forward prior to Monday’s announcement.

The 26-man squad features established superstars Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha. Youth also received a nod, with Lyon’s Endrick and Bournemouth’s Rayan earning their maiden World Cup call-ups, edging out Chelsea's João Pedro and Real Betis' Antony for the final attacking berths.

Ancelotti acknowledged the selection process was difficult, particularly given extensive injury problems that have ruled out key stars Rodrygo and Estêvão from the North American tour.

"Selecting just 26 players in a nation with this level of competition is exceptionally difficult," Ancelotti added. "It is not a flawless list because a perfect team does not exist, but this group possesses an extraordinary collective spirit and focus."

Reflecting stability within the management structure, Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) President Samir Xaud announced last week that Ancelotti's contract has been extended through to the 2030 World Cup. "We have the best coach in the world, and we must afford him long-term continuity, independent of immediate tournament outcomes," Xaud stated.

Five-time champions Brazil are chasing a historic sixth global crown. They will kick off their Group C campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13, followed by group-stage encounters against Haiti and Scotland.

Official Brazil 26-Man World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Éderson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Danilo (Flamengo), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth)