The Brazilian Football Confederation staged a lavish announcement at Rio de Janeiro’s Museum of Tomorrow as Carlo Ancelotti unveiled his 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A backdrop reading It’s forbidden to dream small accompanied musical tributes to Brazil’s five World Cup titles and an audience that included celebrities, former winners and influencers.
Ancelotti read the squad in alphabetical order, naming goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders before reaching the forwards. The list made clear that Neymar is back in the national team for the first time since a serious knee injury sustained against Uruguay in October 2023. Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time top scorer.
The call marks Ancelotti’s first spell working with Neymar and will alter the group’s dynamics. The source notes Neymar’s form for Santos has not been especially impressive, and that selection over Chelsea forward João Pedro prompted questions. A player with 15 Premier League goals was overlooked, and Ancelotti conceded in the post-announcement news conference that João Pedro deserved to be included, appearing uncomfortable when pressed on the disparity.
On Neymar’s role, Ancelotti does not envision him on the flank where tracking back would be required, instead preferring to use him through the middle as a striker. Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha looks likely to lead the line, with Neymar able to operate as a false nine between Barcelona’s Raphinha and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior if a front four is retained. Brentford’s Igor Thiago was included as a bench option to provide penalty-area presence, and Endrick has boosted his case while on loan at Lyon.
The squad composition raises questions in central midfield. If Ancelotti persists with a front four, Brazil would be left with only two central midfielders, one being 34-year-old Casemiro, who will depart Manchester United at season’s end. The report notes concerns about feasibility in extreme heat and recalls that Brazil’s 1994 World Cup triumph relied on a packed midfield; Danilo Santos and Lucas Paquetá are cited as options should Ancelotti opt for a three-man central block.
