Brazilian head coach, Carlo Ancelotti has backed Neymar to play a key role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after naming his final squad for the tournament.
Ancelotti included Neymar in the squad despite concerns over the forward’s fitness in recent months, insisting the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is ready to deliver for Brazil again.
Speaking after the squad announcement, the ex-Real Madrid CF manager said Brazil’s technical crew had closely monitored the 34-year-old before making the decision.
“Neymar will be an important player for us at the World Cup,” Ancelotti said.
“We spent the entire year analyzing Neymar. We realized that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition.”
The squad is Ancelotti’s first major tournament selection since taking charge of Brazil, with the five-time world champions hoping to win the trophy for the first time since 2002.
Neymar’s inclusion is expected to be one of the biggest talking points among Brazilian fans after months of questions surrounding his fitness and future with the national team.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker and teenage forward Endrick also made the final list.
But there were some notable absentees.
Veteran defender Thiago Silva was left out of the squad, alongside Chelsea striker João Pedro, goalkeeper Bento and midfielder Andrey Santos.
Thiago Silva’s omission is already generating debate among supporters given his experience with the national team and long-standing leadership role in the squad.
Brazil will head into the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico among the favourites as Ancelotti begins his first tournament in charge of the Selecao.