Carlo Ancelotti named the Santos forward in Brazil's pre-list for the 2026 tournament, though his final selection remains uncertain pending fitness recovery.
10:32 PM
Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti included forward Neymar in the 55-player preliminary roster submitted to FIFA on Monday for the 2026 World Cup, according to Brazilian media reports.
The inclusion marks the first time Ancelotti has named Neymar in any squad since taking charge of the national team. Ancelotti had previously stated that Neymar would only be considered for the tournament if he returned to elite fitness levels.
The preliminary list of 55 players is a mandatory administrative process required by FIFA that identifies which players may substitute for others cut due to injury before the tournament. The final squad of 26 players will be announced on May 18.
Neymar has not been called up to Brazil since suffering an injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. However, he has been included in preliminary rosters for recent matches.
Ancelotti has not indicated he intends to bring Neymar to the World Cup, though the coach said he could still be convinced. The Italian manager initially set a condition that Neymar must return to 100 percent fitness to be considered.
Among notable absences from the preliminary list is 19-year-old Chelsea winger Estevao Willian, Brazil's leading scorer under Ancelotti. Estevao suffered a grade-4 hamstring tear in his right leg during a Premier League match against Manchester United on April 18. He opted against surgery and chose conservative treatment, with a minimum recovery period of 25 days.
Also excluded due to injury are defender Militao and winger Rodrygo, both of whom will miss the World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
After Santos drew 1-1 with San Lorenzo in Copa Sudamericana, Neymar expressed hope to play in 2026 World Cup and dreams of a final between Brazil and Argentina.
Coach Sergej Barbarez named 26 players Monday, making Bosnia the first nation to reveal its roster for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The Uruguayan-born defender won four European Cups with Real Madrid between 1957 and 1966 and later managed Spain's 1982 World Cup campaign.
Italian top seed Jannik Sinner defeated Cameron Norrie in the round of 16 at the Madrid Masters 1000. Compatriot Lorenzo Musetti was eliminated by Jiri Lehecka.
Defender sidelined by leg laceration sustained against Atlético-MG; Flamengo leads Copa Libertadores Group A with perfect record.
Williams sustained a moderate hamstring injury Sunday but is expected to recover in time for the tournament beginning June 11.
