Neymar included in Brazil's World Cup squad after injury struggles
- On Monday, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officially including 34-year-old forward Neymar after months of speculation about his fitness.
- Ancelotti defended the inclusion of Brazil's all-time leading scorer, citing recent fitness improvements despite the player's two-and-a-half-year absence from the national team. "He has improved his fitness a lot in recent matches," Ancelotti continued.
- Chelsea striker Joao Pedro, who scored 20 goals this season, was the most notable exclusion from the squad. Neymar has struggled since tearing his ACL and meniscus in October 2023, missing significant time for both club and country.
- Confirmation of the roster met with cheers at an event in Rio's Museu do Amanhã. Brazil now prepares for friendlies against Panama and Egypt before facing Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
- Neymar enters his fourth World Cup holding 79 goals in 128 international appearances for Brazil. The five-time world champions seek their sixth title by balancing seasoned veterans with emerging young talent in the summer tournament.
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World Cup 2026: Brazil's Neymar makes strong promise
Brazilian forward Neymar has vowed that he and his teammates will fight with their lives to bring the 2026 World Cup to his country. Neymar spoke in a trending video posted on social media as he shared his thoughts after getting named in Brazil’s squad to compete in the World Cup. His dream of competing in his fourth World Cup came true after Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti included his name in the squad earlier. Reacting, Neymar said, “We wil…
Neymar’s 34-year offensive mid-center call to play the 2026 World Cup in North America was the main novelty this Monday afternoon, May 18, in Brazil. The officialization of the player roster was made at a massive event at the Museo do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro.
Selected to the general surprise by Carlo Ancelotti to play his fourth World Cup, Neymar has fulfilled his goal and will see the United States this summer. An unexpected return made possible by several factors.
48 nations are present at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Gradually, the cadres of all participants are also announced.
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