Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has included Neymar in the country’s provisional 55-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, boosting hopes that the Santos forward could feature in what may be his final World Cup campaign.
The preliminary list was submitted to FIFA ahead of Brazil’s final 26-man squad announcement, expected on May 18. Reports say Ancelotti only wants “physically ready” players, but Neymar’s inclusion suggests the veteran attacker remains in contention despite recent injury struggles.
Neymar, now back at Santos FC, has been working to regain fitness after a difficult period marked by injuries since late 2023. He has not played for Brazil in a competitive international since suffering a serious knee injury during World Cup qualifying.
One major absentee from the provisional squad is rising Chelsea star Estêvão Willian, who is reportedly set to miss the tournament because of a hamstring injury.
Brazil, coached by Ancelotti for the first World Cup of his international management career, will compete in Group C alongside Scotland, Morocco and Haiti.
