Coach Carlo Ancelotti names the 34-year-old Santos forward in Brazil’s official 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a 943-day international absence

May 19, 2026 

RIO DE JANEIRO — Against all odds, and against the better judgment of many local analysts and former footballers, Neymar Jr. is going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti officially named the 34-year-old Santos striker in his final 26-man squad on Monday, May 18, at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro, ending nearly three years of international exile and igniting celebrations across Brazil.

The emotional weight of the moment was not lost on Neymar himself. Taking to social media shortly after the announcement, he wrote: “It’s hard not to get emotional. With everything we’ve been through. Everything they watched me go through. And me getting here, managing to compete in another World Cup. It’s incredible. These are tears of pure happiness.” (Source: World Soccer Talk)

A Return Three Years in the Making

Neymar’s last appearance in the green and gold of Brazil came on October 18, 2023, in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat against Uruguay. That night ended in disaster: a torn left ACL that sidelined him for an extended period and cast serious doubt over whether he would ever play for the Selecao again. According to World Soccer Talk, when the squad is announced for the tournament, 943 days will have passed since that appearance.

The road back was neither smooth nor straightforward. An injury-marred spell at Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal was followed by an underwhelming return to his boyhood club Santos, raising questions about his fitness and relevance at the highest level. He was conspicuously absent from Ancelotti’s call-up for the March friendlies against France and Croatia, just 80 days before the tournament’s kick-off, prompting the Italian coach to state bluntly: “It’s a physical evaluation, not a technical one. With the ball, he’s very good, but he needs to improve physically.” (Source: Athlon Sports)

At the time, Neymar acknowledged feeling “upset and sad,” while stressing that he remained focused on his recovery. He kept his public message consistent: “The dream lives on.” (Source: Sports Illustrated)

Why Ancelotti Made the Call

Several factors converged to tip the balance in Neymar’s favor. Chief among them was a wave of injuries to other forward options: both Rodrygo and Estevao are missing from the squad, creating space in the attacking unit. At Santos, Neymar continued to produce goals and assists that kept him in contention, while earning renewed confidence from the coaching staff. (Source: Latin Times)

Ancelotti also spoke warmly about the human element. “Neymar is much loved,” he told Reuters. “Not just by the fans, but by the players, too. If you call on Neymar, you won’t be causing a stir in the dressing room, because he’s so well-liked, loved so much.” (Source: Bleacher Report)

Brazil football legend Ronaldo Nazario, one of the most authoritative voices in the sport, had publicly backed the selection, stating he would call Neymar up if he was fit and suggesting that even in a non-starting role, he could deliver class and experience in decisive moments. (Source: Athlon Sports)

A Different Player, a Deeper Role

The Neymar who boards the plane for North America in 2026 is not the explosive, pacey winger who lit up the 2014 World Cup on home soil. His body and his game have evolved. Ancelotti has indicated he will deploy the veteran as an inside forward, with World Soccer Talk reporting that Neymar now makes his impact through dribbling, vision, and precise through balls rather than raw pace.

Brazil’s first-choice attack centers around Raphinha (Barcelona) and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) on the wings, with Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) operating as the starting attacking midfielder and Igor Thiago and Endrick serving as the primary striker options. Within that framework, Neymar is expected to provide an impact off the bench, offering a creative lift that neither Cunha nor Lucas Paqueta has consistently been able to deliver. (Source: World Soccer Talk)

His first opportunity to pull on the national shirt again could come as early as May 31, 2026, in a pre-tournament friendly against Panama.

A Legacy That Speaks for Itself

Whatever happens in the United States this summer, Neymar’s standing in Brazilian football history is secure. Since his senior international debut in August 2010, he has made 128 appearances, scoring 79 goals and providing 59 assists. In September 2023, he surpassed Pele to become Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. His trophy cabinet includes the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. This will be his fourth World Cup appearance. (Source: Athlon Sports)

Yet for a player of his extraordinary talent, there has always been a sense of unfinished business. No Copa America. No World Cup. The golden generation of Brazilian football has never delivered the ultimate prize, and time is running out for its greatest star.

Brazil’s Path at the 2026 World Cup

Brazil enters the tournament ranked sixth in the world, behind France (1st), Spain (2nd), Argentina (3rd), England (4th), and Portugal (5th). They have been drawn in Group C, where they will face Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey, before taking on Haiti and Scotland. (Source: Latin Times / FIFA.com)

The 2026 edition will be the largest World Cup in history, featuring a record 48 teams and becoming the first to be co-hosted across three nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

For millions of Brazilian supporters, Neymar’s inclusion transforms the narrative around their campaign. A team that had been quietly building under Ancelotti now carries the added weight of redemption and nostalgia. Whether he earns a starting place or plays the role of super-sub, one thing is certain: when Neymar steps onto a World Cup pitch again, the world will be watching.