RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti named Neymar in his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, unveiling the selection at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. Fans cheered when the 34-year-old Santos forward's name was announced.

The inclusion marks Neymar's fourth World Cup appearance, following the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments. He has not played for the Selecao since 2023, when he tore his left ACL in October of that year. He remains Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances.

"We spent the entire year analysing Neymar. We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition," Ancelotti said.

Ancelotti, who took over as Brazil coach in May 2025, extended his contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation to the 2030 World Cup last week. The 66-year-old coach announced the squad at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, where supporters reacted to Neymar's inclusion.

The goalkeepers in the squad are Alisson, Ederson and Weverton. Alisson Becker has missed Liverpool's last 10 games through injury. The defenders are Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira, Bremer, Ibanez, Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel and Douglas Santos. The midfielders are Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos, Fabinho and Lucas Paqueta. The forwards are Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Luiz Henrique, Neymar and Rayan.

Endrick, a 19-year-old striker, is on loan at Lyon from Real. Joao Pedro was not selected.

The expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico starts on 11 June 2026. Brazil are placed in Group C and will play Morocco on 13 June 2026, Haiti on 20 June 2026, and Scotland in their final group game on 24 June 2026.