Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, has been named in the squad for the World Cup 2026, a decision that surprised many local analysts and former footballers who doubted his inclusion. The 34-year-old forward has been recovering from a torn left ACL sustained in October 2023 and has struggled to regain top fitness.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his 26-man squad on May 18, 2026, which also includes key players Vinicius Junior and Raphinha. Ancelotti, who took over the Brazilian national team in May 2025, had not previously called up Neymar for a match. The Italian coach recently extended his contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation through the 2030 World Cup, despite a somewhat challenging tenure thus far, exacerbated by a significant number of injured players unavailable for the tournament.

Notable absentees from the squad due to injury include strikers Rodrygo and Estevao, whom Ancelotti will miss the most in the North American tournament. Neymar's inclusion comes despite recent reports of him being "fuming" at a substitution just days before the squad announcement, as mentioned in related Al Jazeera articles.

The selection of Neymar, who has scored 79 goals for Brazil, signals a significant gamble by Ancelotti, relying on the experience and proven ability of a player who has faced considerable injury setbacks in recent years. The coach's faith in the veteran forward suggests a strategic decision to bolster the team's attacking options, even with fitness questions lingering.

Ancelotti's decision to include Neymar, coupled with his contract extension, indicates a long-term vision for the Brazilian national team. However, the coach has faced challenges in his tenure, including managing a squad that has been heavily impacted by injuries. The absence of Rodrygo and Estevao further compounds these issues, placing additional pressure on the remaining attacking talent.

The squad list features a mix of established stars and emerging players. In goal, Alisson, Ederson, and Weverton are selected. The defense includes players like Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Bremer. The midfield comprises Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, and Lucas Paqueta, among others. The forward line, besides Neymar, features Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, and Endrick.

Brazil's World Cup campaign begins against Costa Rica on June 14, followed by matches against Paraguay on June 21 and Colombia on June 27. The team will be looking to secure their sixth World Cup title, with Neymar playing a crucial role in their pursuit.

Questions remain about Neymar's match readiness and his ability to contribute effectively throughout the tournament, given his recent injury history. His performance, alongside the team's overall strategy, will be closely scrutinized as Brazil aims for World Cup glory.