Carlo Ancelotti makes a big decision. This Monday, less than a month before the 2026 World Cup (June 11-July 19), the coach of Brazil officially announced his list of players who will go on a quest for a sixth star, the first since 2002. During a grand ceremony where the Brazilian Confederation had planned “the biggest summoning of all time,” including a concert with singers Ludmilla, Joao Gomes, Samuel Rosa, and Veigh, the biggest anticipation was around Neymar’s case.
And after weeks of uncertainty, Carlo Ancelotti finally chose to call up the Santos star, despite his recurring physical problems and limited playing time in recent months. At 34 years old, the former player of FC Barcelona and PSG will play in his fourth World Cup, never managing to reach the final. It remains to be seen what role the top scorer in the history of the Selecao will play in this World Cup in America. His presence is expected to further boost excitement around the auriverde team.
“We have seen Neymar’s form, he has played a lot, he has improved his physical condition,” explained the Italian coach of the Selecao to justify his choice. “He is an important player and will be so during the World Cup. He will have the opportunity to play or be on the bench. He will have the same status and responsibilities as the others.”
In attack, Endrick is included in Ancelotti’s list, who has just extended his contract with the Selecao until 2030. Loaned by Real Madrid to Lyon in the last six months, the 19-year-old player completed his Lyon adventure with 8 goals and 8 assists in 21 matches (all competitions combined). While Rodrygo is out due to a knee injury, Brazil can count on players like Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), Raphinha (FC Barcelona), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), or Matheus Cunha (Manchester United).
Key players such as Ederson and Alisson in goal, captain Marquinhos in defense, or Casemiro in midfield are naturally part of the squad. However, Thiago Silva (41 years old), despite a convincing season with FC Porto, is not included.
Brazil will start their World Cup campaign against Morocco (June 14, midnight), before facing Haiti (June 20, 2:30 am) and Scotland (June 25, midnight) in Group C. Before that, the auriverde team will play two final preparation matches, against Panama on May 31 in Rio and against Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland, United States.
Since Ancelotti took charge, Brazil has played ten matches, with a record of five wins, three draws, and two losses, the latest against France (2-1) in March.
The list of 26 Brazilians for the 2026 World Cup:
GOALKEEPERS – Alisson (33 years old, Liverpool/ENG) – Ederson (32 years old, Fenerbahce/TUR) – Weverton (38 years old, Gremio)
DEFENDERS – Alex Sandro (35 years old, Flamengo) – Bremer (29 years old, Juventus/ITA) – Danilo (34 years old, Flamengo) – Douglas Santos (32 years old, Zenit St Petersburg/RUS) – Gabriel Magalhaes (28 years old, Arsenal/ENG) – Roger Ibanez (27 years old, Al-Ahli/KSA) – Leo Pereira (30 years old, Flamengo) – Marquinhos (32 years old, PSG/FRA) – Wesley (22 years old, AS Roma/ITA)
MIDFIELDERS – Bruno Guimaraes (28 years old, Newcastle/ENG) – Casemiro (34 years old, Manchester United/ENG) – Danilo Santos (25 years old, Botafogo) – Fabinho (32 years old, Al-Ittihad/KSA) – Lucas Paqueta (28 years old, Flamengo)
FORWARDS – Endrick (19 years old, Real Madrid/ESP) – Gabriel Martinelli (24 years old, Arsenal/ENG) – Igor Thiago (24 years old, Brentford/ENG) – Luiz Henrique (25 years old, Zenit St Petersburg/RUS) – Matheus Cunha (26 years old, Manchester United/ENG) – Neymar (34 years old, Santos) – Raphinha (29 years old, FC Barcelona/ESP) – Rayan (19 years old, Bournemouth/ENG) – Vinicius Jr (25 years old, Real Madrid/ESP)
Original article published on RMC Sport.
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