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FIFA World Cup Rosters: Neymar Makes Brazil's 26-Man Squad; Chelsea's Joao Pedro Misses Out
Carlo Ancelotti said the 34-year-old forward’s progress and experience made him a key part of Brazil’s 26-man squad.
On Monday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti named Neymar to the 26-man FIFA World Cup squad, marking the forward's return to international football following a serious knee injury.
Neymar's selection follows a long layoff after he tore his ACL in October 2023, which left analysts and former players questioning his fitness for the tournament.
A viral video showing Neymar reacting with partner Bruna Biancardi surpassed 195 million views on Instagram, with celebrities and fans flooding social media to celebrate his return.
Ancelotti defended the decision, citing the forward's experience, as Neymar enters the 2026 tournament as Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances.
Brazil will open its campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C, with the FIFA World Cup beginning next month.
After a three-year break from the national team, Neymar is returning. He is the greatest player in the Brazilian national team ever, according to one of B.T.'s football experts.
Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr. shared an emotional video on social media where he appears crying, hugging family members and celebrating the confirmation of his call-up to Brazil for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.