Neymar makes Brazil’s preliminary World Cup squad

Neymar was included in Brazil’s preliminary 55-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his first national team selection since his 2023 ACL injury.beinsports
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has stressed only “100% fit” players will make the final roster, with Neymar still under physical assessment by the CBF.espn
Chelsea’s Estêvão is also on the list but faces serious doubt after a near-complete hamstring tear, with younger forwards like Endrick vying for spots.sportingnews

Neymar Named in Brazil’s Preliminary 55-Man World Cup Squad

Carlo Ancelotti has included Neymar in Brazil’s preliminary 55-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the Santos forward back into the national team picture for the first time since he suffered an ACL injury in October 2023. The final 26-man roster is set to be announced on May 18.beinsports

A Timely Return to Form

Neymar’s inclusion follows a stretch of encouraging performances at Santos, where he has recorded five goals and three assists in 12 matches since his return to the club, according to beIN Sports. His latest display came on Saturday in a 2-0 win over Red Bull Bragantino at Vila Belmiro, where he scored a solo goal that quickly went viral on social media. The 34-year-old has become a central figure in Santos’s push up the Brasileirão standings and their Copa Sudamericana campaign.gazetaexpress

Still, Ancelotti has repeatedly stressed that only fully fit players will travel to North America. “I will call up players who are physically ready,” the Italian said in an interview with L’Equipe in April. Speaking to Esporte Record earlier, he was even more direct: “If Vinícius is at 90%, I’ll call up another player who is at 100%, because it’s a team that has a very high level of competence, especially up front”. The same standard applies to Neymar, who underwent knee surgery in December and has been under continuous assessment by both the CBF and the coaching staff.espn

Estêvão’s Fate and the Forward Battle

Chelsea youngster Estêvão, who suffered a near-complete hamstring tear in an April loss to Manchester United, was included on the preliminary list but remains in serious doubt. ESPN Brasil has all but ruled out his participation, and Chelsea’s medical staff had recommended surgery, though the 19-year-old opted for conservative rehabilitation in Brazil. Under FIFA rules, any player on the preliminary list who is unable to recover can be replaced before the tournament.sbnation

With Estêvão’s status uncertain and Neymar’s fitness still under the microscope, younger forwards are positioning themselves to claim spots. Bournemouth’s Rayan and Brentford’s Igor Thiago both received maiden call-ups during Brazil’s March friendlies against France and Croatia, while Real Madrid’s Endrick has emerged as another option in attack. Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.fifa