3<\/p>\n Neymar has been named in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad by AncelottiCredit: Getty<\/p>\n Neymar had been the main talking point<\/a> ahead of Ancelotti’s announcement, with his international future in the balance as he hasn’t played for his country since 2023<\/a>.<\/p>\n He had also struggled with injury issues<\/a>, which had thrown his chances of playing for his national team again into doubt.<\/p>\n But Brazil have taken the risk of bringing their most famous player to the World Cup<\/a> in the United States, Canada and Mexico.<\/p>\n Explaining his decision, manager Ancelotti said: \u201cNeymar will be an important player for us at the World Cup.<\/p>\n READ MORE ON FOOTBALL<\/p>\n \u201cWe spent the entire year analysing Neymar<\/a>. <\/p>\n “We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition\u201d.<\/p>\n So, Neymar, who has the second-most appearances of any player for Brazil, will be on the plane for the World Cup this summer.<\/p>\n It will be the fourth edition of the competition that he has played in, having appeared in 2014, 2018 and 2022. <\/p>\n Across 13 games for the Brazilian side at the tournament, he has scored eight goals and provided four assists. <\/p>\n His inclusion will be celebrated across his country, with Brazil legend and his former teammate Marcelo<\/a> posting his ecstatic reaction on social media following Ancelotti’s announcement.<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n Neymar hasn’t made a Brazil appearance since 2023 – but he’s returning this summerCredit: AFPShock omission<\/p>\n Neymar may have seen his dream realised, but for others, they have missed out on the chance to play at a World Cup.<\/p>\n One of those failing to get a place is Chelsea<\/a> forward Joao Pedro<\/a>, in what was a shock outcome of the selection.<\/p>\n Pedro, who has 15 Premier League goals this season, had played in both of Brazil’s last friendlies before the tournament, but he will not be part of the 26-man squad.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sad for players who have been left out, like Joao Pedro,” Ancelotti explained. “They will have chances in the future.”<\/p>\n The 24-year-old has eight Brazil caps in total and was expected to be a part of the attacking set-up this summer. <\/p>\n Instead, Brentford<\/a>‘s Igor Thiago gets a place, along with Bournemouth’s Rayan, Arsenal<\/a>‘s Gabriel Martinelli, Manchester United<\/a>‘s Matheus Cunha and more.<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n Pedro has not made it into Brazil’s World Cup squad in a shock decisionCredit: Getty<\/p>\n Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad<\/p>\n Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton<\/p>\n Defenders: Alex Sandro, Bremer, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Gabriel, Roger Ibanez, Leo Pereira, Marquinhos, Wesley.<\/p>\n Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Fabinho, Danilo S., Lucas Paqueta.<\/p>\n Forwards: Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Neymar, Raphinha, Rayan, Vinicius Junior.<\/p>\n Who else is in the Brazil squad?<\/p>\n Liverpool<\/a> goalkeeper Alisson would have been worried about missing out on the Brazil squad due to his injury. <\/p>\n He has not played a game for the Reds since March 18, but Ancelotti has still chosen to take him to North America.<\/p>\n Arsenal’s Gabriel will also be going, alongside Man United’s Casemiro<\/a> and Newcastle<\/a>‘s Bruno Guimaraes. <\/p>\n Vinicius Jr<\/a> is going to hope to make a huge impact, while Raphinha<\/a> and Marquinhos are two more big names involved.<\/p>\n Read More on talkSPORT<\/p>\n Brazil’s first game of the 2026 World Cup<\/a> will be on June 13 when they take on Morocco in Group C.<\/p>\n![\"Neymar](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/neymar-jr-brazil-looks-fifa-1036034827.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Neymar](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2026-fifa-world-cup-south-1036034853.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Joao](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/joao-pedro-brazil-controls-ball-1067410621.jpg\")
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