Ancelotti Weighs Neymar For Brazil World Cup Squad 2026 Before Monday Call
Brazil world cup squad 2026 talk now centers on Neymar, with Carlo Ancelotti preparing to name a 26-man group on Monday and possibly pick the forward ahead of João Pedro. The decision could shape Brazil’s attack for the tournament and settle one of the biggest roster calls before June.
Ancelotti and Neymar
Carlo Ancelotti is prepared to leave out a major name to fit Neymar into Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad. He said of Neymar, “He is a great talent. What we have to look for with him is not if he’s able to trap the ball or pass the ball.”
Ancelotti added, “[The question] is if his condition is good.” Neymar has not played for Brazil since 2023, so the choice comes with a clear test attached: whether his current level is enough to bring him back into the national team fold for the World Cup.
Neymar at Santos
Neymar returned to Santos last year after two injury-hit seasons with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. Since then, he has scored 17 goals and provided eight assists for Santos, a run that has helped turn the tide in his bid to make the squad.
That form gives Ancelotti a reason to look again at a player who is Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances. Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002, and the forward line is crowded enough that every place will be fought over.
João Pedro’s spot
João Pedro is at risk of missing the 26-man squad altogether. He has scored 20 goals for Chelsea, including 15 in the Premier League, but Brazil’s expected group already includes Raphinha, Vinicius Jr, Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli.
Endrick, Igor Thiago and Rayan are also possible contenders, which leaves limited room for another forward. Estêvão is ruled out because of a hamstring issue suffered in April, tightening the competition even further.
Brazil Group C schedule
Brazil are in Group C and will open against Morocco on June 13 before playing Haiti on June 20 and Scotland on June 24. Monday’s squad announcement will tell the story more clearly than the speculation: Neymar is pushing for a return, and João Pedro is the name most exposed if Ancelotti chooses the veteran route.
