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Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti unveiled his 2026 FIFA World Cup squad on Tuesday, with Neymar returning as the biggest surprise while Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara missed out despite his inclusion in the March preliminary list, likely due to an injury.
Neymar’s return quickly became the headline of the squad announcement, as the forward earned his first Brazil call-up since October 2023 despite ongoing questions over his recent performances.
The comeback also puts Neymar on track for a fourth World Cup appearance, with Ancelotti underlining the veteran’s importance to the team.
“Neymar will be a very important player for us at the World Cup. We closely monitored his physical condition for a long time and decided he is ready,” Ancelotti said after unveiling the squad.
The Santos star had been left out of Brazil’s earlier preliminary selection, but he worked his way back into contention. Rejoining Santos in January 2025, the 34-year-old attacker has recorded 6 goals and 3 assists in 13 appearances this season.
While Neymar made his comeback, Sara failed to secure a spot in the final squad. The Brazilian midfielder has been one of Turkish champions Galatasaray’s key players this season, but he is currently struggling with an ankle injury and is expected to return by the end of June, according to Transfermarkt.
The squad also left out young stars Joao Pedro and Antony. Addressing Joao Pedro’s absence, Ancelotti remarked that the forward "will have another opportunity in the future."
Brazil’s roster also features several high-profile names, including Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Fenerbahce goalkeeper Ederson, whose difficult season drew criticism from Turkish fans over a series of costly mistakes and inconsistent performances.
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