Neymar’s hopes of playing one final FIFA World Cup for Brazil have received a major lift after new head coach Carlo Ancelotti included the Santos forward in Brazil’s preliminary 55-man squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The inclusion marks Neymar’s first major step back towards the national team setup after spending months recovering from the ACL injury that sidelined him for almost a year.
The Brazilian star had earlier been left out of Brazil’s recent squad announcements as concerns around fitness and match sharpness continued following his long injury layoff. But after an encouraging return with Santos FC, Neymar now finds himself back in contention for what could potentially become the fourth World Cup appearance of his career.
Ancelotti had previously made it clear that only players in strong physical and competitive condition would be considered for selection. Neymar’s recent form at Santos appears to have changed that picture significantly.
Since returning to Brazilian football, the 34-year-old has managed five goals and three assists in 12 matches while gradually becoming one of Santos’ key players again. His performances have also helped the club recover from a difficult run of form in the Brasileiro and Copa Sudamericana.
Neymar recently starred in Santos’ 2-0 win over Red Bull Bragantino, scoring in a victory that ended the club’s seven-match winless streak. After facing criticism from fans earlier in the season, Neymar even received a standing ovation when substituted during the game.
The possible return has also reportedly lifted the mood inside the Brazil dressing room, with several players publicly backing Neymar’s comeback. Raphinha recently admitted he would love to see Neymar leading Brazil once again.
WILL NEYMAR PLAY FIFA WORLD CUP 2026?
Neymar’s inclusion in the preliminary squad certainly boosts his chances, but his place in Brazil’s final World Cup squad is still far from guaranteed.
The former FC Barcelona forward still faces serious competition for attacking spots, especially from younger names like Endrick, Igor Thiago and Rayan, all of whom have impressed both at club level and within Brazil’s national team setup recently.
However, Neymar’s experience could still become a decisive factor for Ancelotti.
The Brazilian star has gradually shifted into a more creative attacking midfield role during his return at Santos, focusing more on creating chances and controlling games rather than purely playing as a wide forward.
That tactical flexibility could help him remain valuable for Brazil despite the growing competition around him.
Neymar’s last appearance for Brazil came back on October 18, 2023, during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay national football team, where he suffered the ACL injury that kept him sidelined for nearly a year.
Now, the biggest challenge for the forward will simply be staying fit and maintaining his current level consistently heading into what could potentially become one of the final international tournaments of his career.
BRAZIL FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 PRELIMINARY SQUAD
FORWARDS
Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid), Neymar (Santos), Endrick (Lyon), Raphinha (Barcelona), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Joo Pedro (Chelsea), Estvo (Chelsea), Rayan (Bournemouth), Antony (Real Betis), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Pedro (Flamengo), Richarlison (Tottenham), Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro)
MIDFIELDERS
Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimares (Newcastle United), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Danilo (Botafogo), Lucas Paquet (Flamengo), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray), Joo Gomes (Wolves), Andreas Pereira (Palmeiras), Joelinton (Newcastle United), Gerson (Cruzeiro), Matheus Pereira (Cruzeiro)
DEFENDERS
Marquinhos (PSG), Thiago Silva (Porto), Gabriel Magalhes (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Lo Pereira (Flamengo), Ibez (Al-Ahli), Alexsandro (Lille), Fabrcio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Beraldo (PSG), Vitor Reis (Girona), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Wesley (Roma), Danilo (Flamengo), Paulo Henrique (Vasco), Vitinho (Botafogo), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Luciano Juba (Bahia), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Kaiki (Cruzeiro), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan)
GOALKEEPERS
Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians), John (Nottingham Forest), Carlos Miguel (Palmeiras)
– Ends
