It is the call Carlo Ancelotti was always likely to make, and the one that still split opinion. Brazil's Italian coach named Neymar in his 26-man squad for World Cup 2026, handing the country's all-time top scorer a fourth tournament despite a body that has fought him for two years (ESPN).
At 34, and with 79 international goals, Neymar's quality has never been the question. His availability has (ESPN).
Neymar, 34 — Brazil's record scorer with 79 goals, named for a fourth World Cup. Source: ESPN
A long road back
Neymar has struggled to return to his peak since tearing the ACL in his left knee in October 2023, a layoff that cost him most of the following 18 months (ESPN). Ancelotti's verdict was that the upside outweighed the risk: "He has improved his fitness. He will be an important player in this World Cup," the coach said.
Ancelotti also leaned on something less measurable than minutes. "He has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group; he can create a better environment in this group," he said (ESPN). It is the language of a manager picking a leader as much as a player.
!He has improved his fitness. He will be an important player in this World Cup.
He is not carrying this alone
The reassuring truth for Brazil is that Neymar is one option among an embarrassment of attackers, not the whole plan. Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha are both in the squad, and Ancelotti also handed first World Cup call-ups to young forwards Endrick and Rayan (ESPN, Al Jazeera).
That depth means Neymar can be eased in rather than rushed — a luxury Brazil did not always have at his previous tournaments. If he is fit and sharp, he is a match-winner; if he is not, the Seleção can still field one of the most dangerous front lines in the field.
The schedule that shapes his tournament
Brazil headline Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland and Haiti, opening against the 2022 semi-finalists on June 13 (Sky Sports). It is not the gentlest start, and whether Neymar is ready for that opener — or held back for the softer middle game — will be one of Brazil's defining early calls.
We break down that heavyweight opener in full in our Brazil v Morocco preview.
The verdict
Ancelotti has bet on a legend's big-game instincts over his recent injury record. It is a romantic pick, but a logical one given Brazil's strength in depth — the downside is cushioned, the upside is a No. 10 lighting up a sixth title bid.
Read the case for the Seleção in why Brazil can win, study the section in the Group C preview, and make your call on the predictions page.
Sources
- ESPN — Neymar makes the cut as Brazil announce final 26-man squad
- Al Jazeera — Brazil call up Neymar to World Cup 2026 squad
- Sky Sports — World Cup 2026 Group C guide
Kickoff XI is an independent publication and is not affiliated with FIFA.
