Carlo Ancelotti has named his Brazil World Cup 2026 squad — and the 26-man selection has sent shockwaves through world football. Headlined by the return of Neymar, the continued brilliance of Vinicius Junior and Raphinha, and a Premier League-heavy supporting cast, the Selecao arrive at the North American tournament as genuine contenders to end a 24-year wait for the hexa.
Brazil World Cup 2026 Squad: Neymar’s Comeback
The defining headline from Ancelotti’s announcement — delivered at Rio de Janeiro’s Museum of Tomorrow on 18 May — was the inclusion of Neymar. The 34-year-old Santos striker, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, has battled back from the ACL injury he suffered in October 2023 and worked his way back to form in the Brazilian Serie A.
“We evaluated Neymar throughout the year and noticed that recently he has been playing consistently and has improved his physical condition,” the coach said. This will be Neymar’s fourth World Cup. If fit and in rhythm, he could be decisive in knockout rounds — the stage where Brazil have historically needed moments of individual magic. His inclusion is a calculated gamble: a fit Neymar changes games; Ancelotti, who managed him at PSG, knows that better than most.
Vinicius, Raphinha, and a Fearsome Attack
Even without Neymar, Brazil’s forward line would be the envy of most nations. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) is arguably the most dangerous wide forward in world football — his pace, directness, and composure in big moments make him Brazil’s most important player. Raphinha (Barcelona) supplies creativity and a decisive left foot. At centre-forward, Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) brings physicality; Endrick (Lyon) supplies youthful energy and movement; Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) and Igor Thiago (Brentford) add genuine depth. Luiz Henrique (Zenit) and Rayan (Bournemouth) are among the more surprising inclusions, though both showed consistent form in qualifying.
The Spine: Alisson, Marquinhos, Casemiro, Guimaraes
Brazil’s strength runs through the spine. Alisson Becker (Liverpool) remains among the world’s finest shot-stoppers — calm, commanding, and capable of match-saving brilliance. Marquinhos (PSG) captains the defensive unit with the composure of a decade at the top of European football. Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal) provides physical presence alongside him. Casemiro (Manchester United) anchors the midfield with experience from three Champions League titles. Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United) is the engine — dynamic, box-to-box, and increasingly one of the best central midfielders on the planet. Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo) adds attacking creativity behind the forwards.
Brazil’s Group Stage and the Road to the Hexa
Brazil are placed in Group C and open on 13 June against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — a tricky opener against a well-organised side that performed admirably at the 2022 World Cup. Haiti follow in Philadelphia on 19 June before a group finale against Scotland in Miami on 24 June. The squad gathered at Granja Comary from 27 May, played a farewell friendly against Panama at the Maranaca on 31 May, and departed for the USA on 1 June with a final warm-up match against Egypt in Cleveland on 6 June.
The last time Brazil won the World Cup was 2002. Twenty-four years on, a new generation powered by Vinicius and Raphinha — and perhaps inspired by a returning Neymar — dreams of the sixth title. With Ancelotti’s tactical nous and this squad’s quality, Brazil are legitimate contenders to go all the way.
For more on the 2026 World Cup, read our coverage of Germany 4-0 Finland: Die Mannschaft Head To North America Ready To Conquer World Cup 2026, South Korea World Cup 2026 Squad: Son Heung-min Leads Taegeuk Warriors and visit our Sports section.
