Brazil has officially included Neymar in their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, completing the forward’s return to the national team after a long spell affected by injuries and fitness concerns.
The announcement was made by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, who had earlier admitted that selecting Neymar would be one of the biggest decisions ahead of the tournament.
In the weeks leading up to the squad reveal, Ancelotti repeatedly spoke about the importance of Neymar’s experience and influence inside the dressing room, while also making it clear that the final decision would depend on the player’s physical condition.
Neymar’s Father Reacts to World Cup Selection
Immediately after Ancelotti announced the squad, fans celebrated Neymar’s inclusion on social media.
Showing his support, Neymar’s father also shared a message on Instagram following the announcement.
“It’s time to get the cheers ready! Neymar Jr. and Brazilian National Team, Instituto Neymar Jr. is cheering for you! “ he wrote.
The Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr. (INJR) is a private, non-profit social complex founded in 2014 by Brazilian footballer. Tthe institute focuses on helping children, adolescents, and their families living in vulnerable social situations through education, culture, sports, and health.
Despite earlier doubts, Neymar had remained confident about his chances. Speaking ahead of the announcement, the Santos forward said he “physically feels great” and insisted he had done everything possible to earn his place in the squad.
The Brazilian star also responded to criticism surrounding his fitness, saying there had been “a lot of nonsense” said during his recovery period.
The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker returned to action with Santos FC earlier this year and gradually rebuilt match fitness ahead of the World Cup.
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
Despite some emotional moments, including frustration during Santos’ recent match against Coritiba after an officiating error led to confusion over his substitution, Neymar continued pushing for a place in Brazil’s final squad.
Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer and will now have another opportunity to chase the one major trophy missing from his career.
He previously represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, but injuries and heartbreak prevented the Seleção from lifting the trophy during those campaigns.
The following players will represent Brazil for the 2026 World Cup.
- Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker, Ederson, Weverton
- Marquinhos, Gabriel, Bremer, Alex Sandro, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Ibanez, Leo Pereira , Wesley
- Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Danilo, Fabinho, Lucas Paqueta
- Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Rayan, Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Luis Henrique , Matheus Cunha, Neymar Jr.
