Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has officially confirmed his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the inclusion of Neymar becoming the headline story ahead of the tournament in North America.

The Santos forward, whose fitness and form had been the subject of intense debate over recent months, will now prepare for his fourth World Cup appearance — a milestone achieved by only a select group of Brazilian football legends.

Since taking charge of the Selecao, Ancelotti has repeatedly stressed the importance of mentality and leadership within his squad. Speaking after announcing the roster, the Italian manager made it clear that psychological resilience played a bigger role in his selection process than simply assembling the most technically gifted side.

“There is no such thing as a perfect squad,” said Carlo Ancelotti. “World Cups are not always won by the most talented team, but by the team that stays mentally strong under pressure. We believe in our quality, our unity and our ambition to win this tournament.”

The return of Neymar adds experience and creativity to an already star-studded attacking line-up featuring Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Raphinha and rising sensation Endrick. On paper, this could become one of the most dangerous offensive units at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

There is also renewed balance throughout the squad, with experienced figures such as Alisson, Marquinhos, Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes expected to play key leadership roles during the competition.

Brazil Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio).

Defenders: Danilo, Alex Sandro, Leo Pereira (all Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma).

Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Danilo (Botafogo).

Forwards: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Endrick (Lyon), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Luis Henrique (Zenit), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Ryan (Bournemouth).

Brazil’s World Cup Group

Brazil have been drawn into Group C, where they will face Morocco on June 14, Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 25.