Neymar is set for a sensational return to the FIFA World Cup after earning a dramatic recall to the Brazil national football team squad for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 34-year-old forward, who has not represented Brazil for nearly three years, was named in coach Carlo Ancelotti’s final 26-man squad announced during a glamorous ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on Monday evening. Neymar’s inclusion sparked huge excitement among fans, with loud cheers erupting as his name was confirmed.
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, Neymar returns to the national team after a long and difficult period dominated by injuries and fitness struggles. The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star last played for Brazil during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in 2023, where he suffered a serious knee injury that sidelined him for an extended period.
Since then, questions had surrounded whether the experienced attacker would ever regain his place in the Seleção. His struggles were compounded by an injury-plagued spell in Saudi Arabia before eventually returning to his boyhood club Santos FC earlier this year in an attempt to revive his career.
Ancelotti had previously left Neymar out of Brazil’s March friendlies against France and Croatia due to concerns over his match fitness and form. However, the veteran tactician appears convinced that the forward is ready to make a major impact once again on football’s biggest stage.
For Neymar, the upcoming tournament will mark his fourth FIFA World Cup appearance after previously featuring in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions. Despite his undeniable talent and influence, the elusive World Cup trophy has remained the one major prize missing from his glittering career.
Brazil head into the competition aiming to secure a record-extending sixth World Cup title. The South American giants will begin their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13 before taking on Haiti and Scotland in their remaining group matches.
Neymar’s return undoubtedly adds experience, creativity and leadership to an already talented Brazilian squad. With the world watching closely, the veteran forward will be hoping to inspire his nation to glory and possibly crown his international career with the ultimate achievement in football.
