Brazilian superstar Neymar has made a dramatic return to the national team after nearly three years, being named in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The squad, announced by coach Carlo Ancelotti at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, sparked loud celebrations as Neymar’s inclusion was confirmed. The forward is Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances.
Neymar had been absent from the national team since suffering a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in 2023, with fitness concerns and inconsistent form keeping him out of recent squads. He recently returned to boyhood club Santos in a bid to revive his career after an injury-hit spell in Saudi Arabia.
Despite doubts over his long-term fitness, Ancelotti has now included the 34-year-old in Brazil’s plans as they aim for a record sixth World Cup title.
Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C when the tournament kicks off in June 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
