Neymar Returns To Brazil’s Preliminary Squad Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has recalled Santos star Neymar back into the national team squad pool as the Selecao prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Italian head coach recently submitted a 55-man preliminary squad to FIFA that marks the return of one of the greatest dribblers of all time, Neymar, to the national team since 2023.

The Santos forward has been in sublime form for his boyhood club and has made an impact whenever he donned the iconic black and white jersey. Neymar's return to the national team will also be a huge boost to his teammates, as he is now one of the senior-most members in the squad and holds a huge amount of respect among younger players.

While earlier media reports suggest disagreements about the former Barcelona star's selection, it seems the head coach and Neymar are on the same page. The selection of Neymar brings to the team a ton of tournament experience and guarantees of huge moments during the FIFA World Cup.

Brazil 55-Man Preliminary Squad

Given below is the list of players who will be hoping to convince coach Carlo Ancelotti of being deserving of a place in the final 26-man squad. All eyes will be on Neymar as he hopes to get a final chance to represent his country at the world football's greatest showcase event.

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians), John (Nottingham Forest), Carlos Miguel (Palmeiras)

Defenders: Marquinhos (PSG), Thiago Silva (Porto), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Alexsandro (Lille), Fabrício 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 de Milão)

Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Danilo (Botafogo), Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray), João Gomes (Wolverhampton), Andreas Pereira (Palmeiras), Joelinton (Newcastle), Gerson (Cruzeiro), Matheus Pereira (Cruzeiro)

Attackers: Vini Jr. (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), João Pedro (Chelsea), Estêvão (Chelsea), Neymar (Santos), Endrick (Lyon), Rayan (Bournemouth), Antony (Real Bétis), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Pedro (Flamengo), Richarlison (Tottenham), Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro)