Neymar’s hopes of playing in one World Cup final for Brazil have been boosted after new head coach Carlo Ancelotti included the Santos forward in Brazil’s preliminary 55-man squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The inclusion marks Neymar’s first big step back into the national team squad after months recovering from an ACL injury that sidelined him for almost a year.
The Brazil star was previously left out of recent Brazil squad announcements as concerns about fitness and match sharpness continued following his lengthy injury lay-off. But after an encouraging return with Santos FC, Neymar now finds himself back in contention for what could become the fourth World Cup appearance of his career.
Ancelotti has previously made it clear that only players in good physical and competitive condition will be included in the selection. Neymar’s recent form at Santos seems to have changed that picture significantly.
Since returning to Brazilian football, the 34-year-old managed five goals and three assists in 12 matches and gradually became one of Santos’ key players again. His performances also helped the club recover from a difficult run of form in the Brasileiro and Copa Sudamericana.
Neymar recently starred in Santos’ 2-0 win over Red Bull Bragantino, scoring in the win that ended the club’s seven-match winless streak. After facing criticism from fans at the start of the season, Neymar even received a standing ovation when he came on as a substitute during the match.
A possible return has also reportedly lifted spirits in the Brazilian dressing room, with several players publicly backing Neymar’s comeback. Raphinha recently admitted that he would love to see Neymar lead Brazil again.
WILL NEYMAR PLAY IN FIFA WORLD CUP 2026?
Neymar’s inclusion in the preliminary squad certainly boosts his chances, but his place in Brazil’s World Cup finals squad is far from guaranteed.
The former FC Barcelona forward still faces serious competition for attacking positions, particularly from younger names like Endrick, Igor Thiago and Rayan, all of whom have impressed at both club level and the Brazil national team recently.
However, Neymar’s experience could still be the deciding factor for Ancelotti.
The Brazil star has gradually moved into a more creative attacking midfield role during his return to Santos, focusing more on creating chances and controlling play rather than playing purely as a wide forward.
That tactical flexibility could help him remain valuable to Brazil despite growing competition around him.
Neymar last appeared for Brazil on 18 October 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, where he suffered an ACL injury that sidelined him for almost a year.
The striker’s biggest challenge now will simply be to stay fit and maintain his current form, steadily heading into what could potentially be one of the final international tournaments of his career.
BRAZIL FIFA World Cup 2026 PRELIMINARY KIT
FORWARD
Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid), Neymar (Santos), Endrick (Lyon), Raphinha (Barcelona), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Joo Pedro (Chelsea), Estvo (Chelsea), Rayan (Bournemouth), Antony (Realgo)), Antony (Realgo Betdro), Antony (Realgo Betdro), Antony (Realgo Betdro) Richarlison (Tottenham), Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro)
MIDWIFE
Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimares (Newcastle United), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Danilo (Botafogo), Lucas Paquet (Flamengo), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray), Joo Gomes (Wolves), Andreas Pereira (Palmeiras, United), Matheus Gerruze (Newcast), Matheus Gerueira (Newcast) (Cruzeiro)
DEFENDERS
Marquinhos (PSG), Thiago Silva (Porto), Gabriel Magalhes (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Lo Pereira (Flamengo), Ibez (Al-Ahli), Alexsandro (Lille), Fabrcio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Beraldo (PSG), Vitor Reis (Girona), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), (Roma, Henrimen), Wesley (Vasco), Vitinho (Botafogo), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Luciano Juba (Bahia), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Kaiki (Cruzeiro), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan)
GOALKEEPERS
Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians), John (Nottingham Forest), Carlos Miguel (Palmeiras)
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
11 May 2026 21:06 IST
