Carlo Ancelotti names Brazil's 26-man 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, Neymar included
Rio de Janeiro, May 19
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday announced a 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with veteran forward Neymar Jr. set to feature for the five-time champions, as per the FIFA website.
Ancelotti announced Brazil's squad for the World Cup, which will be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, during an event held at the Museum of Tomorrow, a major tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro.
Neymar's inclusion in the squad comes after significant speculation over whether Ancelotti would select him, particularly after he was omitted from the squad for March's friendlies. The 34-year-old Santos forward had not featured for Brazil since 2023, but he has repeatedly voiced his strong desire to play in the tournament, despite dealing with recurring hamstring and knee injuries over the past year.
Alongside Neymar, several other prominent players were confirmed, including Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid) and Raphinha (Barcelona), as well as Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes (both from Arsenal).
While announcing the squad, Ancelotti said there is no such thing as a perfect squad, adding that perfection isn't necessary to win the World Cup. Instead, he emphasised that a resilient team is more important and expressed his aim to build the most resilient side in the world.
"The perfect list isn't there, I'm sure. I have to say that the perfect team won't win the World Cup, a perfect team doesn't exist. I think a more resilient team can win. We want to be the most resilient team in the world," he said as quoted by the FIFA website.
The Brazil head coach said he is not afraid to say that the team aims to win the World Cup, noting that expectations are high and highlighting that motivation will be a key factor in their preparation.
"I'm not afraid to say that we want to win the World Cup, because there are high expectations. Motivation is an important aspect in preparing for this World Cup," he added.
Brazil will begin their 2026 World Cup Group C campaign against Morocco on 13 June at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. They will then travel to Philadelphia to take on Haiti on 19 June, before wrapping up the group stage on 24 June with a match against Scotland in Miami.
Brazil are the most successful team in FIFA World Cup history, having won the tournament five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002). However, they have not lifted the trophy in 24 years.
Brazil's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad
Goalkeepers:
AlissonEdersonWeverton
Defenders:
Alex SandroBremerDaniloDouglas SantosGabriel MagalheesIbanezLeo PereiraMarquinhosWesley
Midfielders:
Bruno GuimaraesCasemiroDanilo SantosFabinhoLucas Paqueta
Forwards:
EndrickGabriel MartinelliIgor ThiagoLuiz HenriqueMatheus CunhaNeymar JuniorRaphinhaRayanVinicius Junior.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally Ancelotti brings some Italian discipline to the Seleção! The squad actually looks balanced for once - not just all attackers. But no Gabriel Jesus? No Richarlison? I'm a bit confused. Still, having Neymar for one last dance is beautiful. Let's hope his hamstring holds up! 🇧🇷⚽
I'm honestly surprised Neymar made it. At 34, with those injuries, isn't it risky to bet the farm on him? Ancelotti's line about "resilience" feels like code for "we're preparing for penalties." And that group is tough - Morocco gave them nightmares in 2022! I hope they don't underestimate Haiti too. Brazil needs to prove they're still the samba kings! 🎵
Ancelotti is a genius - he knows what he's doing. Neymar may be past his prime, but his experience and creativity are irreplaceable. The young guns like Vinicius, Raphinha, and Endrick will do the running. Plus with Alisson in goal, they've got a solid foundation. I'm actually more worried about Argentina and France than Brazil's own squad. Come on, let's bring it home! 🏆
Yaar, 24 years without a World Cup for Brazil? That's like India not winning a cricket World Cup since 2011! 😅 But seriously, the squad looks decent. Happy to see Gabriel Martinelli included - he's been killing it for Arsenal. Just wish they had more defensive solidity. And Neymar? Bhai, one more chance to show the world what you've got! Make us proud, Samba boys!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.