RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Neymar made Brazil's World Cup squad on Monday, a selection many local analysts and former footballers deemed unlikely only days ago. The striker will appear at his fourth World Cup.
The 34-year-old Neymar is Brazil's all-time top goal-scorer with 79 but has struggled to return to top fitness since he tore his left ACL in October 2023. He's played eight matches for Santos this year with four goals and two assists.
"He has improved his fitness, he will be an important player in this World Cup," Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro.
Ancelotti Emphasizes Experience
The coach added he preferred experienced players for some spots in his squad, including Neymar.
"He can still improve his fitness until the first match of the World Cup. He has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group, he can create a better environment in this group."
Shortly before Ancelotti's squad was announced, Neymar changed his Instagram bio to include Brazil alongside Santos, signaling his international status.
Full Squad Announced
Brazil's 26-man squad also features its main players in recent years,Vinicius Júnior and Raphinha.
Ancelotti took over in May 2025 but had not summoned Neymar until Monday. He extended his contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation last week through the 2030 World Cup, though he's faced challenges with many injured players.
Strikers Rodrygo and Estevao are the ones he will miss the most in North America.
Defenders
Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg)
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), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth)
World Cup Schedule
Brazil opens its World Cup campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13, followed by Haiti and Scotland in Group C.