Neymar included as Ancelotti announces Brazil World Cup squad

Brazil fans have been in a state of shock for the past few days. Whether Neymar will be in Carlo Ancelotti's team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or not - this was the issue! The drama before the team announcement did not decrease! However, all the drama and the long wait of football fans came to an end yesterday at 3 am. Five-time world champions Brazil have announced the final 26-member squad for the World Cup.

The team's head coach Carlo Ancelotti officially announced the Seleção squad through a grand ceremony at the historical Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro on May 18.

As Ancelotti was calling out the names of the players one by one from the final list of 26, everyone was eagerly waiting to hear just one name. Finally, Ancelotti's voice pronounced that name - Neymar Jr.

Whether Neymar will be in the World Cup or not, there has been no bigger discussion in the football world for the past few months. After thousands of rumors off the field, including injuries, surgeries, the fight to regain fitness, the fight to prove himself on the field, and conspiracy theories, Neymar will finally be playing in this year's World Cup.

Brazil is going to the World Cup with this praised and sometimes criticized superstar. When Ancelotti announced the name of the 34-year-old forward at the grand ceremony to announce the team, the surroundings were filled with thunderous applause. A tsunami of joy swept through the auditorium.

Neymar, who played for Santos, was called up to the national team for the first time since 2023. Football analysts believe that his return will also provide additional excitement to the Seleção camp. Neymar will be joined in attack by Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, Barcelona's Rafinha and young Turkish player Endrik from Lyon. However, Rodrygo has been left out of the squad, surprising everyone.

Brazil, the only team to have participated in every World Cup under coach Ancelotti, will now be on the field with a mission to win a sixth title (hexa).

Brazil's final World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weberton (Gremio).

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahly), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma).

Midfield: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botefogo), Fabiinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo).

Forwards: Ndric (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar Jr. (Santos), Rafinha (Barcelona), Ryan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid).