Brazil prepared to leave out huge name to bring Neymar to World Cup and it'll cause controversy

Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti is prepared to leave out an unthinkable name to fit Neymar into his 2026 World Cup squad.

Neymar spent two injury-hit seasons with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, with many expecting it to end his international career.

However, he rejoined boyhood club Santos last year and has once again fallen in love with the beautiful game.

The 34-year-old has scored 17 goals and helped Santos survive relegation last year, while also notching eight assists.

Brazil are stacked in the forward department, but that hasn't stopped supporters hoping Neymar gets one last dance on world football's biggest stage.

He hasn't played for the national team since 2023, with a new crop of forwards taking up the mantle in an attempt to win A Selecao's first World Cup since 2002.

Ancelotti previously declared Neymar's chances of making the squad were slim. Despite that, a new report from ESPN has suggested that Neymar has managed to turn the tide. Furthermore, they've suggested a very familiar name is at risk of missing out of the 26-man squad altogether.

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Neymar has thrown a spanner in the works for players who were considered 'almost there'. The biggest name in that category is Chelsea striker Joao Pedro, who has enjoyed a fine debut campaign since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion. He's scored 20 goals, including 15 in the Premier League. It's now a very real possibility that Neymar is selected ahead of Pedro when the squad is announced on Monday.

Among the names expected to be in Brazil's squad are Raphinha, Vinicius Jr, Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli. Endrick, Igor Thiago and Rayan are all possible contenders, with Estevao ruled out due to a hamstring issue he suffered in April.

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Ancelotti's comments on Neymar making the squad

Ancelotti is aware of the national interest in Neymar, who is the all-time top goalscorer with 79 in 128 appearances.

The Italian coach is unsure if Neymar's body can handle such a rigorous fixture schedule at this point in his career.

He told The Athletic: "He is a great talent. What we have to look for with him is not if he’s able to trap the ball or pass the ball.

"[The question] is if his condition is good."

Brazil are in Group C at the World Cup and will kick off their campaign against Morocco on June 13th, before taking on Haiti on June 20th and Scotland on June 24th.