The wait finally ends as Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Brazil's provisional squad for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026. While the list features as many as 55 players, all might be looking for just one name: Neymar Jr.
The 34-year-old forward, who currently represents local club Santos FC, was left out in the last two international friendlies that the Selecao played in March. Many fans were left disappointed, assuming they might not be able to watch the legendary playmaker one last time at the mega international event.
However, things have taken a turn for the better. Ancelotti has sparked the hopes of Neymar's return to the Brazil team by including him in the World Cup preliminary squad. With less than one month left for the tournament, Neymar still has a few matches in hand to prove his fitness.
Brazil Announces Provisional Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
While Neymar has been handed a lifeline, another veteran Brazilian, Thiago Silva, who recently secured the Primeira Liga title with FC Porto, also finds a place among the 55 players chosen by Ancelotti. Forwards like Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha have expectedly made the cut, but Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus reportedly misses out.
Check out Brazil’s 55-man Squad for World Cup 2026:
| Position | Names |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Alisson, Ederson, Pinto, Hugo Souza, John, Carlos Miguel |
| Defense | Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Gabriel Magalhães, Bremer, Leo Pereira, Ibañez, Alex Sandro, Fabrício Bruno, Beraldo, Vitor Reis, Murillo, Wesley, Danilo, Paulo Henrique, Vitinho, Alex Sandro, Douglas Santos, Luciano Juba, Caio Henrique, Kaiky, Carlos Augusto |
| Midfield | Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Fabinho, André Santos, Danilo, Lucas Paquetá, Gabriel Sara, João Gomes, Andreas Pereira, Joelinton, Gerson, Matheus Pereira |
| Attack | Vinicius Júnior, Neymar, Endrick, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, João Pedro, Estevão, Ryan, Antony, Igor Thiago, Pedro, Richarlison, Igor Jesus, Kaio Jorge |
Why Has Neymar Been Selected in Brazil's Preliminary Squad?
Though there have been concerns over his fitness, Carlo Ancelotti seems to have kept his faith in Neymar's talent and potential. When asked about the development, the former Real Madrid manager's son, Davide Ancelotti, said, "If he's on that list, it's because his physical condition is improving. Then, until May 18, we'll reduce the list to the 26 who will travel to the United States," as per a La Gazzetta dello Sport report.
What's Next for Neymar?
Neymar, the record goalscorer for the Brazil national team, is slated to play two games for Santos across Copa do Brasil and the Brasileirao before Carlo Ancelotti confirms the final 26-man squad for the World Cup next week. The former Barcelona superstar will look to make the most out of these opportunities to ensure his return in national colours.
Neymar's recent form at the club level also doesn't match his standard. He has played 13 matches for Santos in the 2025-26 season across all competitions, managing only six goals and three assists. Neymar last donned the Brazil kit in October 2023 in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.