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Neymar Earns Brazil World Cup Recall After 2.5‑Year Absence — Ancelotti Says "He Will Be Important" as Ronaldo Eyes Record Sixth Tournament
Neymar is back in the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup after more than two and a half years away.
The wait is over. Neymar will go to the World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti ended two and a half years of speculation on Monday when he named the 34‑year‑old in Brazil's 26‑man squad, and in doing so handed the Seleção's greatest‑ever goalscorer one last shot at the trophy that has defined his career. The Santos forward has not played for his country since October 2023, when a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament threatened to close the international chapter of his story for good. Ancelotti has now written him back in.
The Brazil coach was characteristically direct about the decision. "He was selected not as a backup, but because he can add to the team with his qualities," Ancelotti said. He admitted that Neymar had not earned his place on recent club form — how could he, with so little football behind him? — but insisted the evaluation was purely physical. The legs are willing. The talent, Ancelotti seems to be saying, was never in doubt.
Neymar carries 79 goals in 128 appearances into the tournament. Brazil open against Morocco on June 13, before facing Haiti and Scotland in a group that offers a gentle runway for a player who will need minutes to find his rhythm. The romantic in every football fan will hope he finds it. A World Cup without Neymar has always felt incomplete, even as the years and injuries piled up.
He will not be the only icon chasing immortality. Cristiano Ronaldo is set for a record sixth World Cup appearance with Portugal, who play friendlies against Chile and Nigeria before opening their campaign against DR Congo on June 17. Two careers, two legends, one last dance on the biggest stage.
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