By Sachit Subba • Football • May 19, 2026 04:25 AM • 20 views
RIO DE JANEIRO bIn a high-stakes gamble, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti ended the superstar's long international exile on Monday, naming the 34-year-old to the squad for next month’s tournament in the United States.
The announcement, delivered inside Rio's crowded Museum of Tomorrow, caps a desperate race against time for Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. Neymar hasn’t played for the Seleção since 2023, following a devastating run of injuries at Al Hilal and a sluggish return to Santos.
Ancelotti had long insisted that sentiment wouldn't dictate his roster. But with Brazil chasing a record sixth world title, the Italian tactician chose firepower and experience over youth.
"We noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition," Ancelotti said. "In some positions, we prioritized experience."
The decision leaves a trail of collateral damage. While heavyweights like Vinicius Junior and Endrick anchor a loaded attack, injuries and sudden cuts decimated the rest of the roster. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Chelsea’s Estevao missed out due to fitness issues, while Chelsea forward Joao Pedro was ruthlessly dropped from the final squad.
"Some of the players... won't be happy with this list," Ancelotti admitted. "I'm sorry."
Brazil kicks off its campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey, before rounding out Group C against Haiti and Scotland.
The Roster
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahçe), Weverton (Gremio)
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al Ahli), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)
Forwards: Neymar (Santos), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Rayan (Bournemouth)
