Neymar Jr.’s prayers are finally heard as the former Barcelona and PSG superstar has been included by Carlo Ancelotti in Brazil’s 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. This brings to an end to months of speculation about Neymar’s international future.
Neymar last played for Brazil in October 2023 and has since struggled to attain top fitness to make it to Ancelotti’s plans. However, Ancelotti always kept the door open for him to make a return to the side.
The squad also includes experienced campaigners like Casemiro, Marquinhos and some of the young prospects like Bournemouth’s Rayan and Luiz Henrique.
Neymar will be supported in the attack by Endrick, Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha and Brazil aim to secure their sixth World Cup title.
WHY NEYMAR WAS PICKED FOR WORLD CUP?
Ancelotti has always maintained that Neymar will need to prove his fitness to make the World Cup squad. The Italian said at the press conference after revealing the squad that the 34-year-old had made significant strides in that aspect.
“He has improved his fitness,” said Ancelotti. “He will be an important player in this World Cup.”
Ancelotti also said that he wanted experienced players in certain spots, paving the way for Neymar to be back in the Brazil squad.
“He can still improve his fitness until the first match of the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “He has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group; he can create a better environment in this group.”
This will be Neymar’s fourth and last World Cup appearance. He is the top-scorer for Brazil with 79 goals.
Brazil will be facing Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C. They will start their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 14.
BRAZIL’S FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira, Bremer, Ibanez, Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo Santos, Fabinho, Lucas Paqueta
Forwards: Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Luiz Henrique, Neymar, Rayan
– Ends
Source link
[ad_3]
