Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named his full 26-player roster for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, set to be held in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
As is the case with most World Cup rosters, there were some surprise cuts as well as some equally surprising inclusions, perhaps none more eye-catching than Santos’ Neymar.
The 34-year-old 128-time international will head to North America looking to build upon his record 79 international goals for Brazil in what will be his fourth World Cup.
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Neymar last played for Brazil back in 2023 -Credit:Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Having made his international debut back in 2010, Neymar last represented his country back in 2023, with injuries largely derailing his once trophy-laden career, which has seen him represent Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Now back with his boyhood team, Neymar has made 15 appearances across all competitions this year, scoring six goals and providing four assists.
Ancelotti’s sixth-ranked Brazil side features several other veterans alongside Neymar, including Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, Flamengo’s Alex Sandro, and Manchester United’s Casemiro.
They’ll feature alongside plenty of younger talent, headlined, of course, by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., as well as the likes of Lyon loanee Endrick and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.
However, among those excluded from the final cut was Chelsea’s leading scorer this season, João Pedro.
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“It was very difficult to choose these 26 players, because the competition in this country is very, very high,” Ancelotti said. “I said in the first press conference that there was a lot of competition, and it’s true.
“I know perfectly well that some of the players who were with us this year won’t be happy with this list. I’m very sorry about that. I’d like to thank everyone who was with us this year. Also, those who weren’t here, and who did a fantastic job, a fantastic effort, to be on this list.”
The 66-year-old Italian went on to add that he is confident the chosen players can ultimately compete to win it all.
“Is it the perfect list? No, it’s not the perfect list. I’m sure of that,” Ancelotti said. “But I have to say that the perfect team won’t win the World Cup. The perfect team doesn’t exist.
“The most resilient team can win the World Cup. We want to be the most resilient team in the world to try and win the World Cup.
Chelsea’s João Pedro missed out on making the final cut -Credit:Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
“I’m not afraid to say that we can win the World Cup because I know perfectly well that it’s a very high expectation, but a high expectation gives you more motivation. Motivation is a very important aspect to prepare for the World Cup.”
Full Brazil Team:
Goalkeepers
Alisson Becker – Liverpool, Éderson – Fenerbahce, Weverton -Gremio
Defenders
Alex Sandro, Danilo, Léo Pereira – Flamengo, Bremer – Juventus, Ibañez – Al-Ahli, Wesley – Roma, Marquinhos – Paris Saint-Germain, Gabriel Magalhães – Arsenal, Douglas Santos – Zenit St. Petersburg
Midfielders
Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle, Casemiro – Manchester United, Danilo – Botafogo, Fabinho – Al-Ittihad, Lucas Paquetá – Flamengo
Forwards
Endrick – Lyon, Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal, Igor Thiago – Brentford, Matheus Cunha – Manchester United, Raphinha – Barcelona, Vinícius Júnior – Real Madrid, Luiz Henrique – Zenit St. Petersburg, Neymar – Santos, Rayan – AFC Bournemouth
