The manager of the Seleção, expressed regret over the unfortunate situation involving the Roma player, according to Fabrizio Romano on X: “It’s a shame to lose Wesley. We have to wait for the tests now,” he said.

The setback may have been a major blow for the team; however, Ancelotti himself is confident in those who can replace Wesley. “Eventually, we have good players to replace him.”

Who will be his replacement? According to a recent report also from Romano on X, the player joining the squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup is midfielder Ederson.

How much does Brazil lose without Wesley?

Losing Wesley is an unexpected blow for Brazil ahead of the World Cup, as the Roma right-back has quickly become a vital piece of their system. In his 3 qualifier appearances, he didn’t log a goal or an assist, but his elite tactical awareness and relentless work rate gave the Seleção needed balance.

His technical versatility, lethal crossing ability, and composure under pressure are nearly difficult to replicate, meaning Brazil lose a premier two-way weapon that perfectly connected their defense to their high-powered attack.

Mind on the World Cup

Brazil are ready to kick off their Group C campaign, but the biggest question mark surrounding the Seleção is whether Neymar will be fit to play, as the coaching staff is willing to wait until the absolute last minute for his recovery. Without their main star fully guaranteed, the Brazilians will open the tournament against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

They will then head to Philadelphia to face Haiti on June 19 at Lincoln Financial Field, before wrapping up the group stage in Miami against Scotland on June 24 at Hard Rock Stadium, hoping that by the time they hit the pitch, their legendary number 10 will finally be cleared to lead the attack.

Beyond the players on the pitch, the spotlight is increasingly turning toward the dugout, where elite head coaches are being rewarded with record-breaking salaries for their tactical vision and leadership.

From Europe’s powerhouse federations to ambitious national projects in South America, Asia and North America, federations are investing heavily in managers who can handle the pressure of a 48-team World Cup format.

10. Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) – $2.6 million

Lionel Scaloni stands as one of the most successful international coaches in modern soccer, having guided Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and ending the country’s 36-year wait for the trophy.

That triumph, along with the 2021 Copa America win against Brazil at the Maracana, cemented his legacy. Despite being among the lower-paid elite coaches, his achievements place him among the most respected managers heading into 2026, where Argentina will defend its world champion status.

9. Gustavo Alfaro (Paraguay) – $2.8 million

Gustavo Alfaro has built a reputation as one of South America’s most resilient tactical leaders, known for transforming underdog teams into disciplined, competitive sides.

After guiding Ecuador through a strong 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, where they earned a place in Qatar despite point deductions controversy, he became a sought-after international coach.

His appointment with Paraguay reflects a project built on defensive structure and emotional intensity, key traits in his coaching identity heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026.

8. Javier Aguirre (Mexico) – $2.8 million

Javier Aguirre returns once again to the World Cup spotlight as one of Mexico’s most experienced managers, having already led the national team in multiple World Cup cycles, including 2002 and 2010.

Known for his pragmatic style and deep understanding of CONCACAF soccer, he is trusted to stabilize a squad under immense home pressure. His long international career and ability to handle high-stakes tournaments make him a familiar but reliable figure for Mexico’s 2026 campaign.

7. Jesse Marsch (Canada) – $2.8 million

Jesse Marsch brings a modern, high-intensity coaching philosophy shaped by his experience in Major League Soccer, the Austrian Bundesliga and the English Premier League with Leeds United.

While he never lifted major silverware in Europe, his reputation for pressing systems and player development earned him Canada’s top job. His mission is to maximize a growing talent pool and turn Canada into a competitive force during their home-hosted World Cup experience.

6. Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan) – $4.5 million

Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup-winning captain with Italy, brings legendary playing pedigree into international management. His appointment by Uzbekistan represents one of the most ambitious coaching projects of the cycle, as the nation prepares for its first-ever World Cup appearance. While his coaching résumé has been mixed across club stints in China and Europe, his leadership and defensive expertise remain central to Uzbekistan’s strategy.

5. Roberto Martinez (Portugal) – $4.5 million

Roberto Martinez arrives at Portugal ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 carrying a reputation built across multiple international projects, including his long spell with Belgium’s so-called “golden generation”.

During that period, he guided the team to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, still their best modern-era result. Now in charge of Portugal, he works with one of the deepest attacking squads in world soccer, where his challenge is transforming individual brilliance into tournament consistency.

4. Thomas Tuchel (England) – $6.5 million

Thomas Tuchel brings elite European pedigree to England after winning the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, a defining achievement that cemented his status among the game’s top tactical minds.

Known for his adaptability and defensive organization, he has also reached the Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain, narrowly losing to Bayern Munich.

His appointment with England reflects a clear expectation: convert a talented generation into a major tournament-winning side, something the country has not achieved since 1966.

3. Mauricio Pochettino (USA) – $6.8 million

Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership of the United States men’s national team marks one of the most ambitious coaching appointments in CONCACAF history. Previously, he built Tottenham Hotspur into Champions League finalists in 2019, famously eliminating Ajax in a dramatic semifinal comeback before falling to Liverpool in the final.

With PSG, he also added domestic silverware while managing world-class stars. His task in the U.S. is clear: elevate the program into a legitimate knockout-stage contender on home soil.

2. Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – $7.9 million

Julian Nagelsmann represents Germany’s long-term strategic rebuild after years of inconsistent tournament performances following their 2014 World Cup triumph.

A former Bayern Munich coach, he won the Bundesliga title in 2022–23 and is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most innovative tactical coaches, known for fluid systems and positional flexibility. Germany’s federation turned to him to restore identity, intensity, and competitiveness ahead of a tournament where expectations remain extremely high.

1. Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) – $11.3 million

Carlo Ancelotti stands alone at the top of the salary ranking, and his résumé fully explains it. The Italian coach is the most decorated manager in UEFA Champions League history, winning the competition multiple times with AC Milan and Real Madrid, including the 2022 and 2024 editions with Los Blancos.

Now leading Brazil into the World Cup cycle, he brings unmatched experience managing elite squads under pressure. His appointment signals one objective only: delivering Brazil’s long-awaited sixth World Cup title.

From World Cup-winning veterans to rising tacticians chasing a breakthrough on football’s biggest stage, the managers of the 2026 World Cup will be responsible for guiding their countries through a tournament unlike any before.

Several of the game’s most recognizable coaching names will be in charge this summer. Carlo Ancelotti enters the tournament leading Brazil, while Lionel Scaloni returns as the architect of Argentina’s title defense.

Full list of 2026 World Cup coaches by country

Host nations

• Canada — Jesse Marsch
• Mexico — Javier Aguirre
• United States — Mauricio Pochettino

South America (CONMEBOL)

• Argentina — Lionel Scaloni
• Brazil — Carlo Ancelotti
• Colombia — Nestor Lorenzo
• Ecuador — Sebastian Beccacece
• Paraguay — Gustavo Alfaro
• Uruguay — Marcelo Bielsa

North America, Central America and Caribbean (CONCACAF)

• Curaçao — Dick Advocaat
• Haiti — Sebastien Migne
• Panama — Thomas Christiansen

Oceania (OFC)

• New Zealand — Darren Bazeley

Europe (UEFA)

• Austria — Ralf Rangnick
• Belgium — Rudi Garcia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina — Sergej Barbarez
• Croatia — Zlatko Dalic
• Czechia — Miroslav Koubek
• England — Thomas Tuchel
• France — Didier Deschamps
• Germany — Julian Nagelsmann
• Netherlands — Ronald Koeman
• Norway — Stale Solbakken
• Portugal — Roberto Martinez
• Scotland — Steve Clarke
• Spain — Luis de la Fuente
• Sweden — Graham Potter
• Switzerland — Murat Yakin
• Türkiye — Vincenzo Montella

Africa (CAF)

• Algeria — Vladimir Petkovic
• Cape Verde — Bubista
• Côte d’Ivoire — Emerse Fae
• DR Congo — Sebastien Desabre
• Egypt — Hossam Hassan
• Ghana — Carlos Queiroz
• Morocco — Mohamed Ouahbi
• Senegal — Pape Thiaw
• South Africa — Hugo Broos
• Tunisia — Sabri Lamouchi

Asia (AFC)

• Australia — Tony Popovic
• Iraq — Graham Arnold
• Iran — Amir Ghalenoei
• Japan — Hajime Moriyasu
• Jordan — Jamal Sellami
• Qatar — Julen Lopetegui
• Saudi Arabia — Georgios Donis
• South Korea — Hong Myung-bo
• Uzbekistan — Fabio Cannavaro

Who are the most experienced coaches at the 2026 World Cup?

Didier Deschamps, Carlo Ancelotti, Marcelo Bielsa and Javier Aguirre are among the most experienced coaches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Between them, they have accumulated decades of managerial experience.

France coach Didier Deschamps stands out as one of the tournament’s most accomplished managers. Since taking charge of Les Bleus in 2012, he has guided the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, the 2022 World Cup final and the 2021 UEFA Nations League trophy.

The 2026 tournament will be his fourth World Cup as France manager and his final competition before stepping down. He is also on the verge of breaking the record for the most matches coached at the World Cup.

Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa is another veteran of international football. The Argentine previously managed Argentina at the 2002 World Cup and Chile at the 2010 edition before returning to the tournament with Uruguay in 2026.

Beyond his World Cup appearances, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential tactical minds of the modern era, having inspired coaches such as Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino and Diego Simeone.

Mexico’s Javier Aguirre also belongs in this group. The 67-year-old has already coached El Tri at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups and is returning for a third stint on the global stage. His longevity and experience make him one of the most seasoned managers in the competition.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti arrives with arguably the most impressive club résumé in football history. Although 2026 is his first World Cup as a head coach, the Italian has won five UEFA Champions League titles and league championships.

Which coaches are making their World Cup debut in 2026?

Mauricio Pochettino (United States), Jamal Sellami (Jordan), Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan), Sebastien Desabre (DR Congo), Carlo Ancelotti (Barazil), Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) and Luis de la Fuente (Spain) are the most notable coaches who will manage at a FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2026.

While each arrives with a very different background, all four will experience the tournament from the touchline for the first time when the competition kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The expanded 48-team format has created opportunities for several managers to reach the tournament for the first time. In many cases, those debuting coaches are leading nations making history themselves.

Who is the highest-profile coach at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Carlo Ancelotti is widely regarded as the highest-profile coach at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Brazil manager arrives in North America with a résumé unmatched by any other coach in the tournament.

His appointment by Brazil was one of the most significant managerial moves in intereputation was built during legendary spells with AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

No manager has won more Champions League titles, and few have managed as many of the game’s biggest stars. From Paolo Maldini and Andrea Pirlo to Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior, he has consistently succeeded at the highest level of club soccer for more than two decades.

He is far from the only superstar on the touchline. France’s Didier Deschamps enters the tournament as one of the most successful international managers of the modern era.

He won the 2018 World Cup, reached the 2022 final and will be coaching in his fourth and final World Cup before stepping down after nearly 15 years in charge of Les Bleus. England manager Thomas Tuchel is another elite figure.

Lionel Scaloni also deserves a place in the conversation. He enters as the defending World Cup champion after guiding Argentina to glory in Qatar 2022 and building one of the most successful national-team projects of the decade.

Some of the tournament’s oldest coaches have already built iconic careers. With the expanded 48-team format creating new tactical challenges, many federations have turned to veteran leadership ahead of the tournament.

Whether it’s Ancelotti’s calm authority, Bielsa’s intensity or Didier Deschamps pursuing another deep run with France, the 2026 World Cup could become a defining final act for several of soccer’s most respected coaching figures.

Oldest World Cup-winning managers in soccer history

Vicente del Bosque became the oldest coach to win the FIFA World Cup when Spain lifted the trophy in 2010, as he was 59 years old at the time. The legendary Spanish manager guided a generation led by Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Iker Casillas to Spain’s first-ever World Cup title in South Africa.

Before him, several iconic veteran managers also won the tournament later in their careers. Germany’s Helmut Schon won the 1974 World Cup at age 58, while Italy’s Enzo Bearzot captured the 1982 title at 54. Argentina’s Cesar Luis Menotti and Brazil’s Luiz Felipe Scolari also lifted the trophy in their 40s and 50s.

Some of the oldest managers ever to coach at a World Cup never actually won the tournament. Otto Rehhagel, Oscar Tabarez and Louis van Gaal all managed in their 70s, but none captured soccer’s biggest prize.

Who is the oldest manager at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Dick Advocaat is the oldest manager at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Curaçao head coach will be 78 years old during the tournament, officially making him the oldest coach not only at the 2026 World Cup, but also in FIFA World Cup history.

He originally guided the Caribbean nation through qualification and helped them reach their first-ever World Cup, a historic achievement for one of the smallest countries ever to qualify for the competition.

Before Advocaat, the oldest coach in World Cup history was Greece manager Otto Rehhagel, who was 71 years and 317 days old during the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Advocaat will surpass that record comfortably in 2026.

Here are some of the oldest managers expected at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

How old is Carlo Ancelotti at the 2026 World Cup?

Carlo Ancelotti is 66 years old during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Italian legend, born on June 10, 1959, enters the tournament as Brazil’s manager after one of the most successful club coaching careers in soccer history.

His arrival with Brazil instantly became one of the defining storylines of the tournament. After winning multiple UEFA Champions League titles with AC Milan and Real Madrid, he accepted the challenge of coaching a national team at a World Cup for the first time in his career.

Few coaches in soccer history possess a résumé comparable to Ancelotti’s. His trophy collection includes:

• Five UEFA Champions League titles
• League championships in England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France
• Domestic cups across Europe
• Multiple FIFA Club World Cups

Because of that experience, Brazil hopes he can help end the country’s World Cup drought, which dates back to 2002. The tournament could also represent one of the final major chapters in his coaching career.

How many World Cups has Marcelo Bielsa coached in?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be Marcelo Bielsa’s third appearance as a head coach at the tournament. He previously coached Argentina at the 2002 World Cup and Chile at the 2010 edition before returning in 2026 with Uruguay.

His World Cup history has been dramatic and unconventional. In 2002, Argentina entered the tournament as one of the favorites but suffered a shocking group-stage elimination despite boasting stars such as Gabriel Batistuta, Juan Sebastian Veron and Hernan Crespo.

Eight years later, he transformed Chile into one of the most entertaining teams at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. His aggressive attacking system helped Chile reach the Round of 16 before losing to Brazil.

Now with Uruguay, Bielsa has another opportunity to leave his mark on the competition. FIFA highlighted that he will become one of the few coaches ever to manage three different nations at separate World Cups.

Which veteran managers have won major trophies before the 2026 World Cup?

Several of the oldest managers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrive with some of the most decorated résumés in soccer history. Coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti, Didier Deschamps and Marcelo Bielsa have already won major international or club trophies long before arriving in North America.

• Carlo Ancelotti – Brazil

Ancelotti is arguably the most accomplished club manager in modern soccer history. The Italian has won five UEFA Champions League titles and league championships in all five major European leagues. His calm leadership style and tactical flexibility made him a legendary figure at AC Milan and Real Madrid.

• Didier Deschamps – France

Deschamps already owns one of the rarest achievements in soccer: winning the World Cup both as a player and as a manager. He guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and later returned to another final in 2022.

• Marcelo Bielsa – Uruguay

Although Bielsa has never won a World Cup or Champions League, he remains one of the most influential tactical minds in modern soccer. He won Olympic gold with Argentina in 2004 and revolutionized teams such as Chile, Athletic Club and Leeds United with his intense pressing philosophy.

• Javier Aguirre – Mexico

Aguirre’s career spans decades across both club and international soccer. The Mexican manager coached Atletico Madrid in La Liga, led multiple national teams and guided Mexico to several World Cups.

• Carlos Queiroz – Ghana

Queiroz has managed Portugal, Iran, Colombia and Egypt while also serving as Sir Alex Ferguson’s longtime assistant at Manchester United. His career includes domestic league titles, youth World Cup trophies and decades of international experience.

“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)

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.

In an interview with L’Equipe published on Saturday, the Brazil manager admitted he understands why fans are clamoring for the Santos star, noting that Neymar has been working hard at the club level to earn a spot on the final roster.

“He is currently being evaluated by the Brazilian Football Confederation and by me. He still has two months to prove he has the qualities necessary to play in the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “After his knee injury, he has come back strong. He is scoring goals. He needs to stay on this path and improve his physical fitness. He is on the right track“.

Neymar’s numbers this season

Since recovering from his ACL injury, Neymar has returned to action in impressive fashion. So far this season, the Santos icon has appeared in six matches across all competitions, recording three goals and three assists.

Despite the limited sample size, Neymar has consistently demonstrated his dual-threat ability as both a playmaker and a goalscorer, proving to Ancelotti that he is capable of reaching the elite level required for a place on the Brazilian national team’s flight to North America.

The push for one last World Cup

Since taking over the helm of the Seleção, Ancelotti has yet to feature Neymar, making it clear that the player’s limitations were purely physical rather than tactical. However, the former Barcelona and PSG star remains fully focused on the goal of competing in his final World Cup.

“I’m upset and sad that I wasn’t called up. But the focus remains—day after day, training after training, game after game,” Neymar said during a Kings League presentation in São Paulo. “We’re going to achieve our goal. There is still the final squad selection to come”.

The path back for Brazil’s all-time leading scorer will not be easy, as Ancelotti has spent recent windows integrating a new wave of talent. While established stars like Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha are locks for the squad, younger players like Endrick, Joao Pedro, Luiz Henrique, Igor Thiago, and Gabriel Martinelli have all turned in strong performances, intensifying the competition for the final attacking spots.