“We’re together, Rapha… we are going to win this!” a tearful Neymar told Raphinha shortly after the roster dropped. The raw emotion has injected a massive wave of optimism across Brazil, especially since the veteran forward was widely considered a long shot to make the final cut for the upcoming tournament.

Neymar also implored fans to mark his words, expressing unwavering confidence that the Brazilian squad can hoist the trophy if they remain united. “We will give it all. We need to bring it back to Brazil,” Neymar remarked during the call.

As the Canarinha faithful celebrated the news, Ancelotti addressed the media to explain his decision to include Neymar in the final 26-man roster. Expectations are sky-high, as Brazil clearly did not hesitate to bring every ounce of elite, game-changing talent available to North America.

Neymar’s form forced Ancelotti’s hand

While Neymar’s inclusion in the final 26-man World Cup roster drew some debate regarding his current match fitness, his sheer talent remains undeniable. He has proven to be an absolute lifeline for Santos, carrying the club despite its highly turbulent domestic campaign so far.

While other notable stars like Joao Pedro were surprisingly snubbed from the final squad—leaving them with nothing but a consolation message from Ancelotti—Neymar spent the year proving he is built for the big stage. Here is a look at his production with Santos this season:

• Appearances: 15 (8 Brasileirão, 3 Copa Sudamericana, 2 Copa do Brasil, 2 Campeonato Paulista)
• Goals: 6
• Assists: 4
• Yellow Cards: 7
• Minutes Played: 1,265

Projected starting XI for Brazil at the World Cup

With Neymar pulling the strings in midfield, anticipation is building over what Brazil can accomplish in this North American-hosted tournament. The Verdeamarela are desperate to replicate their iconic 1994 run, the last time the World Cup was held in the United States, which culminated in a thrilling penalty-shootout victory over Italy.

Here is how Brazil are projected to line up:

Alisson Becker; Wesley Franca, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Alex Sandro; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro; Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Endrick.

“My view of one of the most emotional and happiest days of my life,” the forward wrote through his official Instagram account @neymarjr with an emotional video, where was seen in tears after the announcement. “Thank you, Brazil.”

With this nomination, Neymar Jr. will play in his fourth World Cup. His first appearance came at the 2014 World Cup hosted in Brazil, followed by Russia 2018, while Qatar 2022 was the last edition he played in.

The serious injury he suffered in 2023 while playing in the World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay had marked a turning point in the forward’s call-ups. After more than two and a half years, Neymar is back for what might be his last dance.

Brazil boast a fearsome attack

For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil‘s manager Carlo Ancelotti has selected a formidable and dynamic attacking line-up to lead the Selecao’s frontline. The squad features a blend of seasoned superstars and elite young talent, highlighted by the veteran leadership of Neymar and the explosive Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.

They are joined by Barcelona’s creative winger Raphinha and Arsenal’s sharp forward Gabriel Martinelli. Providing physical presence and tactical depth in the attack are Matheus Cunha of Manchester United, Lyon’s rising sensation Endrick, and Zenit’s versatile Luiz Henrique.

Completing this lethal roster are Premier League dangerous attackers Igor Thiago from Brentford and Rayan from Bournemouth, offering Ancelotti a wealth of tactical options to chase the coveted sixth world title.

Opponents and schedule for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup

• June 13, 2026: vs. Morocco (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey)
• June 19, 2026: vs. Haiti (Lincoln Financial Stadium, Philadelphia)
• June 24, 2026: vs. Scotland (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami)

On Instagram, Joao Pedro posted a story admitting that it is a shame to be left out but made it clear that he will continue supporting Brazil. “I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be.

“Joys and frustrations are part of soccer. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home,” Pedro wrote, also partly responding to the message from Ancelotti after leaving him out.

Is Joao’s absence unfair?

The absence of Joao can be very noticeable for Brazil, as he is one of those clinical and unpredictable players that Brazil lack so much right now. To give an idea, throughout this season with Chelsea in the Premier League, he has recorded 15 goals and five assists.

And comparing him to the stars called up by Brazil, Pedro is the player with the third most goal contributions as a Brazilian this season, trailing only Vinicius Jr (32) and Raphinha (29), providing an attacking presence that could save Brazil even as a substitute.

Ancelotti’s message to Joao Pedro

Following the celebration and joy of everyone over the inclusion of Neymar, people remembered those who were left out by Brazil, including many players who participated at Qatar 2022.

Ancelotti addressed the absence of players like Joao Pedro, explaining that it was a tough decision to make. “I am sad for players who have been left out, like Joao Pedro,” Ancelotti said. “They will have chances in the future.”

The surprise following the inclusion of Neymar was the absence of Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, with Ancelotti making it clear that it is a shame, but that he will have another opportunity down the road. “I am sad for players who have been left out, like Joao Pedro,” Ancelotti said. “They will have chances in the future.”

Joao Pedro is one of the biggest omissions from the Brazil roster that is generating excitement ahead of the World Cup. Pedro’s profile is exactly what screams Jogo Bonito and that Brazilian identity they have been searching for so much during this time.

Joao Pedro’s season

Joao Pedro has put together a season worthy of consideration, serving as one of the key players for Chelsea, who have not had a good season, though he has stood out above the rest. This season, he recorded 15 goals and five assists in the Premier League. Only Erling Haaland (34), Bruno Fernandes (28), and Igor Thiago (23) have directly contributed to more goals in the Premier League this season than Joao Pedro.

And he was left out, surely because of Neymar. He is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals and has represented the Selecao at three World Cups, including their home tournament in 2014. He has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 13 matches at the World Cup. Only Ronaldo (19), Pele (18), and Jairzinho (12) have directly contributed to more goals at the finals for Brazil.

Official Brazil World Cup roster

The squad managed by Carlo Ancelotti is one of the big question marks heading into the upcoming World Cup due to the poor performance they have shown in the Qualifiers and that lack of identity, but with the inclusion of Neymar and the rest of the call-ups, there is hope, even if, name by name, they do not compare to those of previous World Cups.

Here’s the Brazil World Cup roster:

Goalkeepers

• Alisson Becker, Liverpool
• Ederson Moraes, Fenerbahce
• Weverton, Gremio

Defenders

• Marquinhos, PSG
• Gabriel Magalhaes, Arsenal
• Gleison Bremer, Juventus
• Danilo, Flamengo
• Alex Sandro, Flamengo
• Wesley, Roma
• Douglas Santos, Zenit
• Ibanez, Al Ahli
• Leo Pereira, Flamengo

Midfielders

• Casemiro, Manchester United
• Lucas Paqueta, Flamengo
• Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle
• Fabinho, Al Ittihad
• Danilo Santos, Botafogo

Forwards

• Neymar, Santos
• Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid
• Raphinha, Barcelona
• Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal
• Matheus Cunha, Manchester United
• Endrick, Lyon
• Luiz Henrique, Zenit
• Igor Thiago, Brentford
• Rayan, Bournemouth

Notable omissions for Brazil

Aside from Joao Pedro, other players cause a surprise by being left out of the roster, players like Alex Telles, Thiago Silva, Everton Ribeiro, Richarlison, and Gabriel Jesus, while also keeping in mind injured players like Rodrygo and Eder Militao.

“We spent the entire year analyzing Neymar. We realized that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition,” Ancelotti said. After battling plenty of injuries and his own age, Neymar was called up for 2026 World Cup but Carlo Ancelotti snubbed other Brazil players from Qatar 2022.

Not only that, but Ancelotti made clear the role Neymar will have in the tournament. “Neymar will be an important player for us at the World Cup,” meaning, he is not going for the sake of it, and he should see plenty of minutes.

Ancelotti snubbed some key names to get Neymar

Everyone was wondering which attackers would be called up to represent Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. When Neymar name was called, the place exploded in applause. However, there were some collateral damages.

For instance, two strikers from the Premier League like Joao Pedro and Richarlison will not go. Richarlison has taken a dip in form, but Joao Pedro was seen by many as a certain name to attend the World Cup. Now, he’ll have to wait until the next one.

Neymar can play different roles for Brazil in 2026 World Cup

While being 34 will get your speed away, Neymar is still talented enough to make his runs at the wing. However, he can play as a No.10, as a second striker, a false 9, or in desperate times, as the main man up front.

Neymar is not only very talented, but he has a huge skill set. Pair that to his knack for goals, and the intelligence to play in a variety of roles. Hence, Ancelotti can move him like a chess piece, and he will deliver.

The roster features several notable omissions, with the absence of seven 2022 World Cup participants. Alex Telles, Thiago Silva, Everton Ribeiro, Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus, and Fred won’t be able to represent the ‘Scratch du Oro‘ after Carlo Ancelotti opted to call other options instead of them. Dani Alves has retired from soccer.

Eder Militao and Rodrygo won’t take part due to injury. After all, Ancelotti is bringing a new style and new methods to Brazil. During Qatar 2022, the manager was Tite, so many changes have been made from the managerial side as well.

Brazil’s final roster for 2026 World Cup

Ancelotti previously gave his 55-man preliminary list, but now, he’s made official the 26-man final roster. The ‘Canarinha‘ is seeking its sixth World Cup championship. Brazil are the nation who have won it the most with five, followed by Italy and Germany with four, and Argentina with three.

Here is Brazil’s final 26-man 2026 World Cup list:

• Goalkeepers
  • Alisson – Liverpool
  • Ederson – Fenerbahce
  • Weverton – Gremio
• Defenders
  • Marquinhos – PSG
  • Gabriel Magalhaes – Arsenal
  • Bremer – Juventus
  • Danilo – Flamengo
  • Alex Sandro – Flamengo
  • Wesley – Roma
  • Douglas Santos – Zenit
  • Roger Ibanez – Al Ahli
  • Leo Pereira – Flamengo
• Midfielders
  • Casemiro – Manchester United
  • Lucas Paqueta – Flamengo
  • Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle
  • Fabinho – Al Ittihad
  • Danilo Santos – Botafogo
• Forwards
  • Neymar – Santos
  • Vini Jr. – Real Madrid
  • Raphinha – Barcelona
  • Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal
  • Matheus Cunha – Manchester United
  • Endrick – Lyon
  • Luiz Henrique – Zenit
  • Igor Thiago – Brentford
  • Rayan – Bournemouth

Neymar gets a last chance to guide Brazil to the promised land

Neymar has played every World Cup for Brazil since 2014 but his efforts to give Brazil a World Cup have ended in heartbreaking fashion. In 2014, he was playing greatly, but an ill-fated tackle from Colombia’s Camilo Zuniga ended up injuring him and sidelining him from the semifinals vs. Germany, where they lost 1-7.

In 2018, Neymar and Brazil were on great track but they fell to Belgium’s golden generation with an outstanding game from Eden Hazard. They ended up losing that game, and in 2022, they drew 1-1 against Croatia with Neymar scoring in that match, but Brazil ended up losing in the penalty shootout. Now, at 34 years old, Neymar hopes to get a glorious swan song.

October 18, 2023 not only marked that the last time he saw action for the Canarinha, but it was also the last moment his name was called up until today. A name that many fans were calling for, while others were just as opposed to his presence.

That match was played at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay, and Neymar suffered a devastating injury that kept him out of action for a long time: he tore the ligaments and meniscus in his left knee.

With the 2026 World Cup as the next major target, Brazilian fans now have plenty of reasons to be excited. One of their top performers in recent years will be present in the tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as Brazil look to secure their sixth World Cup title.

Carlo Ancelotti restores confidence in Neymar

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches played. Despite this, coaches such as Mano Menezes, Fernando Diniz, and Dorival Junior left his name out of squad selections during this period, even Carlo Ancelotti himself.

“If Neymar is at 100 percent, he can obviously make it to the World Cup. If he is not in this latest squad, it is because I do not see him at 100 percent. Neymar has to keep working and playing, show his qualities and good physical condition,” the Italian manager had stated to the press following the latest friendlies.

Evidently, the 34-year-old Santos forward ended up convincing Ancelotti that he should be part of the national team in the big tournament.

Carlo Ancelotti’s selected forwards

In addition to the star presence of Neymar among the squad for the upcoming World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti also called up Vinicius Junior, Endrick, and Raphinha, blending experience and youth.

• Neymar – Santos
• Vini Jr. – Real Madrid
• Raphinha – Barcelona
• Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal
• Matheus Cunha – Manchester United
• Endrick – Lyon
• Luiz Henrique – Zenit
• Igor Thiago – Brentford
• Rayan – Bournemouth

Brazil’s 2026 World Cup schedule and opponents

Brazil will kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign in Group Stage action with three distinct matchups in the United States. They open their tournament against Morocco on Saturday, June 13th, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Six days later, on Friday, June 19th, the Selecao will head to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to face Haiti. Finally, they will wrap up the group stage on Wednesday, June 24th, squaring off against Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Per a report from La Gazetta Dello Sport, details emerged via Ancelotti’s son Davide Ancelotti that Neymar was indeed part of the provisional list submitted to FIFA. “If he’s on that list, it’s because his physical condition is improving. Then, until May 18, we’ll reduce the list to the 26 who will travel to the United States,” Ancelotti’s son stated.

Now, the superstar has two high-stakes fixtures against Coritiba—spanning both the Copa do Brasil on May 13 and the Brasileirao on May 17—to convince Ancelotti that he deserves a spot in the final 26-man roster, which is expected to be announced on Monday next week.

His potential inclusion has ignited a firestorm across Brazilian social media, with Estevao’s injury in the middle and particularly after he was left out of the Selecao’s friendlies in March. For the former Barcelona icon, this represents a final opportunity to prove he is fit for what would likely be his World Cup swan song.

Neymar’s form with Santos this season

While the Brazilian faithful maintain a deep bond with Neymar, his individual brilliance hasn’t translated to team success for Santos. The club currently languishes in 15th place in the Brasileirao standings, managing just 18 points through 15 matches. Their continental form is even more dire, as Santos sit at the bottom of Group D in the Copa Sudamericana with a mere three points from four games.

Here is a look at Neymar’s statistical output during his current stint with Santos:

Neymar’s 2026 injury history

Durability remains the primary concern for Neymar, who has already been sidelined by two separate injuries in 2026. His absence has severely handicapped Santos, causing him to miss a critical Copa Sudamericana clash against Deportivo Cuenca and six matches during the Campeonato Paulista, stretches of inactivity that will surely weigh heavily on Ancelotti’s final decision.

Neymar was initially sidelined from January 9 to February 15 with persistent knee soreness, a blow that effectively derailed Santos’ Campeonato Paulista ambitions. More recently, he was placed on a specialized “rest and conditioning” program in early May to manage his physical workload ahead of the international break.

According to ESPN, to recover for the World Cup, Brazilian winger Estevao is undergoing rehabilitation at Palmeiras facilities in Sao Paulo, under Chelsea supervision. Estevao, 19, ruled out surgery after suffering a thigh injury with the English club and opted for conservative treatment to try to reach the World Cup with Brazil.

The Brazilian attacker, developed in the youth ranks of the Sao Paulo club, suffered the injury on April 18 in the London team’s 1-0 loss to Manchester United in the Premier League. He had to leave the field in the 16′ with a tear in the right hamstring, the back of the thigh.

The tough loss for Brazil if he does not make it

Estevao is the top scorer for Brazil since Italian Carlo Ancelotti made his debut in charge of the team last year, with five goals in seven matches played. In addition to providing a very unbalancing style of play.

Estevao has eight goals in 36 appearances in all competitions since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Palmeiras for 29 million pounds in the summer. This is only at the club level, with Chelsea, where he was being considered and was very important.

A message that brings hope

In a recent interview with AFP, Joao Paulo Sampaio, coordinator of Palmeiras youth academy, highlighted the mentality of the young player as a key factor in chasing a World Cup miracle after his injury.

“If the doctors give him hope of playing in the World Cup, he will do everything to make that happen,” Sampaio said at the Verdao training center, a cradle of talents like Endrick and Estevao. “A key factor is his mentality. He has tremendous confidence in himself,” he added.

Ancelotti will announce his final list of 26 players for the World Cup on May 18, which will be played from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The Canarinha will compete in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.

The Moroccan fullback suffered the injury in the back of his right thigh in the final minutes, 88’, of the first leg, in which PSG defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 on Tuesday in Paris. His team had already used all substitutions, and Hakimi finished the match despite the injury.

Hakimi collapsed on the pitch after contesting a ball with Konrad Laimer in the closing moments of the game and immediately grabbed the back of his right leg, eventually leaving the field in pain, but returning due to the lack of substitutions.

Is his presence at the World Cup in doubt?

He is already ruled out for the second leg, and from there, only 38 days remain until Morocco’s debut in the World Cup against Brazil in Group C, where Haiti and Scotland are also present.

All indications suggest that Hakimi will arrive at the World Cup without major issues, but with the concern of losing rhythm, the rest presents a good option considering that this World Cup is longer.

What is next for Hakimi?

If PSG advance past Bayern, they will face Arsenal or Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final on May 30. He is expected to be available for that match.

Hakimi, who finished sixth in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting, is expected to be a key piece for Morocco in this summer’s World Cup. Morocco, who reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup, will play their first match on June 13 against Brazil.

“Eder Militao will have to undergo surgery for his new injury in the hamstrings of his left leg,” journalist Miguel Angel Diaz of COPE reported. “The Brazilian reopened the scar from the initial injury that occurred in December against Celta. Unfortunately, he will miss the World Cup,” he added.

Eder Militao raised concerns in Real Madrid and in Brazil last Tuesday, in the match against Deportivo Alaves. The 28-year-old center back was substituted before halftime with visible signs of pain in the same area that, as Diaz reported, had already been injured some time ago.

The original injury of Eder Militao

To understand what happened with Eder Militao, we have to go back to early December 2025. On December 7, to be precise, Real Madrid faced Celta de Vigo on Matchday 15 of LALIGA. In that match, Militao felt discomfort and was substituted in the 25th minute of the first half.

Hours later, Real Madrid reported a “tear in the biceps femoris of the left leg with involvement of the proximal tendon,” a diagnosis that projected a recovery time of no less than four months. Militao took the necessary time before returning, but he suffered another injury in that same area and will no longer be able to avoid surgery.

Ancelotti keeps losing players

Eder Militao is the most recent absence in a concerning list and reality for Brazil. Rodrygo and Willian Estevao, two players who also had their spots secured among the 26, suffered injuries that will keep them out of the World Cup.

On May 11, Ancelotti will have to present a preliminary list of 55 players, where it is almost certain that we will not see the defender, while May 30 will be the day when the 26 names going to the World Cup are officially announced.