Carlo Ancelotti announces 26-man Brazil World Cup squad as Neymar call made

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced the 26 players who will represent the five-time winners at the 2026 World Cup - and an in-form Premier League player has missed out.

The Italian announced the official Brazil squad at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on Monday (May 18), with much of the narrative heading into the evening centred on Neymar’s inclusion.

The 34-year-old has been in fine form this season, producing six goals and four assists for his boyhood club Santos, who he joined after a failed spell at Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, during which he made just seven appearances in almost 18 months.

In the hours before the announcement, a large number of fans gathered outside the venue, chanting “Ole, ole, ole, ola, Neymar!” repeatedly in a show of support for the forward.

During an interview with The Guardian on May 13, Ancelotti explained that Neymar’s skill was not a concern, saying: “It depends on what the player shows on the pitch. That’s a very clear criterion, and that is not only for Neymar. With most players, you need to assess talent and physical condition. With Neymar, we only need to assess his physical condition because his talent is beyond question.”

Neymar, who is Brazil’s leading goalscorer with 79 goals from 128 caps, has previously represented the Seleção at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Finally, at around 10pm BST, after almost an hour of formalities and speeches, Ancelotti gave fans the news they’d all been waiting to hear.

He began by announcing the inclusion of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, as well as ex-Manchester City shot-stopper Ederson.

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Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães and PSG’s Marquinhos made the cut, as well as Manchester United midfielder Casemiro and Newcastle man Bruno Guimarães.

Youngster Endrick was also named after an impressive loan spell at Lyon. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and Brentford marksman Igor Thiago were included alongside United’s Matheus Cunha.

Then, Ancelotti announced Neymar had been included before the crowd cheered and sang the forward’s name.

Bournemouth’s Rayan also made the cut with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior among those selected. Barca forward Raphinha will also be at the tournament.

However, despite a solid first season at Chelsea, Joao Pedro missed out.

Brazil begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 before taking on Haiti on June 20. The side then face Scotland in their final Group C match on June 24.

The nation have not won the World Cup since the days of Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho back in 2002, nor have they reached a final.

Brazil squad for 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers

• Alisson
• Ederson
• Weverton

Defenders

• Alex Sandro
• Bremer
• Danilo
• D. Santos
• Magalhães
• Ibañez
• Leo Pereira
• Marquinhos
• Wesley

Midfielders

• Bruno Guimarães
• Casemiro
• Danilo
• Fabinho
• Paquetá

Forwards

• Endrick
• Martinelli
• Igor Thiago
• Luiz Henrique
• Matheus Cunha
• Neymar Jr
• Vini Jr
• Raphinha
• Rayan