Neymar included in Brazil's 26-man FIFA World Cup squad

Neymar (Pic: ANI)

Brazil national football team head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, with star forward Neymar included in the lineup.

Neymar is set to feature in his fourth FIFA World Cup appearance.

Neymar was left out of Brazil's squad for the international friendlies in March, leading to speculation over whether Ancelotti would include him in the World Cup squad.

Despite struggling with recurring hamstring and knee injuries over the past year, the 34-year-old Santos FC attacker has repeatedly expressed his desire to compete at the World Cup.

While announcing the squad, Ancelotti said there is no such thing as a perfect squad, adding that perfection is not necessary to win the World Cup. Instead, he emphasised the importance of building a resilient team.

"The perfect list isn't there, I'm sure. I have to say that the perfect team won't win the World Cup; a perfect team doesn't exist. I think a more resilient team can win. We want to be the most resilient team in the world," he said, as quoted by FIFA.

Brazil eye sixth World Cup title

The Brazil head coach also reiterated his ambition to win the World Cup, admitting that the expectations surrounding the team are both challenging and motivating.

"I'm not afraid to say that we want to win the World Cup because there are high expectations. Motivation is an important aspect in preparing for this World Cup," he added.

Brazil are the most successful team in FIFA World Cup history, having won the tournament five times. However, they have not lifted the trophy in the last 24 years.

Brazil's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

(With ANI Input)