Brazil Unveils Squad for World Cup 2026: Neymar Makes a Comeback
In a grand announcement, Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of the Brazilian national football team, revealed his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup during a press conference held on May 18, 2026. The Brazilian team is set to kick off their World Cup journey against Morocco on June 13 at the MetLife Stadium, and the highlight of the roster is undoubtedly the return of Neymar Jr. at the age of 34, who has not played for the national team since October 2023 due to a series of injuries.
Neymar holds the record as Brazil's all-time leading scorer, having netted 79 goals in 128 appearances for his country. This World Cup will mark his fourth appearance on the global stage, following previous tournaments in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Ancelotti's squad, however, will miss the services of Rodrygo from Real Madrid, who is sidelined with a knee injury. In the attacking lineup, Ancelotti has included notable players such as Vinicius Jr., the star of Real Madrid, Endrick from Lyon, and Raphinha, who has fully recovered from a hamstring injury. João Pedro, who had a promising season with Chelsea, did not make the cut.
Brazil's group stage matches will see them face Morocco first, followed by a game against Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia, and concluding with a match against Scotland on June 24 in Miami. Prior to the World Cup, the Brazilian squad will prepare by facing Panama on May 31 in Rio and Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland in friendly matches. Since Ancelotti took over as head coach, he has led the team in ten matches, achieving five wins, two draws, and three losses.
Here is the complete squad for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup:
- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Gremio).
- Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamingo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenith Saint-Petersburg), Gabriel (Arsenal), Roger Ibañez (Ahli FC), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG).
- Midfielders: Wesley França (AS Roma), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Bota Fogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo).
- Forwards: Endrick (Olympique Lyonnais), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenith Saint-Petersburg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar Jr (Santos), Raphinha (FC Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid).
As reported by sport.le360.ma.
