- Neymar recalled by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s 26-man World Cup squad
- Coach cites renewed fitness and consistency after injury woes
- Brazil target first World Cup crown since 2002
Carlo Ancelotti has nailed his colours to the mast, naming Neymar in Brazil’s World Cup squad for this summer in North America. The 34-year-old Santos forward, owner of 79 goals in 128 caps, gets the nod despite a stretch of injury setbacks that had many wondering if his time at the very top had passed.
If you’re weighing up how this shapes the tournament picture, our guide to the best football betting sites has you covered with the latest angles. But from a footballing standpoint, Ancelotti’s stance is clear: Neymar’s back because he’s shown continuity and turned up in “good physical condition.” After a long lay-off — he hasn’t featured for Brazil since October 2023 — the boss believes the talisman is ready to influence games again.
Why Ancelotti Is Rolling the Dice
This is Neymar’s fourth World Cup, and that experience matters. He carried Brazil to the 2014 semi-finals before that brutal back injury against Colombia ruled him out of the infamous 7–1. Since then, it’s been quarter-final heartbreak — Belgium in 2018 and a penalty shootout against Croatia in 2022. For a nation starving for a sixth star, the logic is simple: if Neymar is fit, he plays.
The Premier League contingent gives the squad real backbone: Alisson, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Matheus Cunha, Rayan, Igor Thiago, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli all make it, adding steel and tempo. One notable omission is Joao Pedro — the Chelsea forward expressed his disappointment on social media but vowed to stay calm and focused. Ruthless calls are part of tournament football; Ancelotti’s banking on output now, not potential later.
What It Means for Brazil’s Balance
Expect Neymar to float between the lines — a classic No 10 with license to drift, or a false nine when required. With creators and ball-winners around him, Brazil should have the blend to manage games without overextending. The target is blunt and overdue: win a first World Cup since 2002.
Brazil open against Morocco on 13 June, with group matches also against Haiti and Scotland. It’s a manageable path on paper, but nothing is handed out at this level. If Neymar stays fit and sharp, Ancelotti’s faith could prove inspired. If not, the risk will be laid bare. Either way, this is the kind of big-call selection that can define a summer.
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