Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the 34-year-old Santos forward for his fourth World Cup, joining eight other Brazilians with four tournament appearances.
5:08 PM
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar in Brazil's 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending months of speculation about the forward's fitness and role in the team.
The 34-year-old Santos player will compete in his fourth World Cup tournament, which will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. His inclusion marks a significant moment after uncertainty surrounding his physical condition and standing within the new generation of the Brazilian national team.
With this selection, Neymar joins a select group of eight Brazilian players who have been called up to four World Cups. The others are Pelé, Castilho, Nilton Santos, Cafu, Ronaldo Fenômeno, Emerson Leão, and Djalma Santos.
Pelé, the three-time World Cup champion, appeared in the tournaments of 1958, 1962, 1966, and 1970. He made his debut for Brazil at age 17 in 1958, scoring two goals in the final against Sweden. In 1970, he scored the opening goal in Brazil's 4-1 victory over Italy, which secured the nation's first three-time World Cup championship.
Djalma Santos, a right-back and idol of Palmeiras, featured in four World Cups during his career with the club, where he played 498 matches.
Neymar's presence in Ancelotti's squad comes after the Italian coach took charge of the Brazilian national team. Prior to this selection, Neymar had not been called up under Ancelotti's tenure. His confirmation as part of the final roster resolves extended debate about whether he would participate in what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance with the national team.
The forward carries the weight of a different narrative than in previous tournaments. At 34, this World Cup represents both a potential redemption and a farewell to the main stage of international football. Since emerging as a teenager at Santos, Neymar was identified as the natural heir to Brazil's tradition of number 10 players.
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