Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 4:43 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 4:44 p.m.
The selector Carlo Ancelotti (66 years old), continues to launch arrows in his direction Neymarwhich he avoided from convocations. “Brazil he has talent and a people who love the national shirt and he has a great desire to return to the top after 24 years. We will make a great World Cup!”, promised the Italian.
Carlo Ancelotti announced on Tuesday an extended list of 55 players, from which, on May 18, he will name the 26 players in the final squad, who will fly to North America for the final tournament (June 11 to July 19).
Neymar caught Carlo Ancelotti's 55 // photo: Imago
On it is Neymar (34 years old), bypassed by the Italian coach, on the grounds that he was injured and out of shape. The return of the Brazilian star to the national team has been one of the most discussed topics in world football recently.
Brazil's preliminary squad for the World Cup
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Goalkeepers: Alisson – Ederson – Pinto – Hugo Souza – John – Carlos Miguel.
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Defenders: Marquinhos – Thiago Silva – Gabriel Magalhaes – Bremer – Leo Pereira – Ibanez – Alex Sandro – Fabricio Bruno – Beraldo – Vitor Reis – Murillo – Wesley – Danilo – Paulo Henrique – Vitinho – Alex Sandro – Douglas Santos – Luciano Juba – Caio Henrique – Kaiky – Carlos Augusto.
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Midfielders: Casemiro – Bruno Guimaraes – Fabinho – Andre Santos – Danilo – Lucas Paqueta – Gabriel Sara – Joao Gomes – Andreas Pereira – Joelinton – Gerson – Matheus Pereira
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Strikers: Vinicius Junior – Neymar – Endrick – Raphinha – Matheus Cunha – Luis Henrique – Gabriel Martinelli – Joao Pedro – Estevao – Rayan – Antony – Igor. Thiago – Pedro – Richarlison – Igor Jesus – Caio Jorge.
Brazil coach since May 2025, Ancelotti is preparing Brazil for pre-World Cup friendlies with Panama and Egypt on May 31 and June 6, respectively.
With 128 matches and 79 goals, Neymar, who plays for FC Santos, ticked off his last Selecao match on October 17, 2023 (in the WC qualifiers), losing to Uruguay 2-0.
Asked about the 34-year-old striker, the Italian coach said: “Neymar's call-up? It's only up to him, not me. As with all players, his fitness will be crucial. His talent is undeniable, we just have to assess his physical condition”.
Vinicius, in Brazil – Colombia // photo: Guliver/gettyimages
“We can't focus everything on one player. We have to think as a team. That's the only way to win the title”
Challenged to also refer to Vinicius, Carlo Ancelotti told The Guardian: “The responsibility he carries for Brazil is enormous, especially lately. It can be a burden for him.
Our task at the national team is to make it easier for him, so that he can perform with joy, energy and all his qualities. I see Vinícius as I saw him at Real Madrid. He is a spectacular player and a spectacular person, capable of single-handedly winning a match.
It will be very important for Brazil at the World Cup. But does it have to be number 1, the star? We don't need a number 1. We can't focus everything on one player. We have to think as a team. That's the only way to win the title.” concluded the former technician of Real Madrid.
