Neymar Returns to Brazil Squad Before 2026 World Cup Scotland Fifa Ranking
Carlo Ancelotti has brought Neymar back into Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, almost three years after the forward’s most recent cap and with scotland fifa ranking now part of the wider backdrop around Brazil’s push for a first title in 24 years. Neymar, Brazil’s record goalscorer, is 34 and returns to a squad built around an experienced spine and a deep attack.
Ancelotti and Neymar
The move puts Neymar back in the frame after he won the most recent of his 128 caps almost three years ago. Ancelotti is trying to steer Brazil to a first World Cup success in 24 years, and the recall gives the squad a player who has long been central to its attacking identity.
Brazil open the 2026 World Cup against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. That fixture gives Ancelotti little time to settle the group, but it also shows the shape of the squad he has chosen: Alisson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Paqueta form the spine, while Neymar joins Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Martinelli and Matheus Cunha in attack.
Paul Clement on Brazil
Paul Clement, Ancelotti’s assistant, described the environment around the team as intense and faith-driven before games. “It’s a very religious and very spiritual atmosphere,” he said, before adding, “The spine of the squad is very strong.”
He also pointed to the balance in the group, saying, “The real strength of the team is in the attacking positions: Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, (Gabriel) Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, some fabulous younger players and, obviously, Neymar.” Clement said the leadership group matters just as much: “What I love about this team is that they’ve got a really good leadership group, with characters like Marquinhos, Alisson, Casemiro.”
Big Team, Big Characters
Clement’s clearest assessment of Ancelotti was simple. “Carlo is always a great fit for a big team; big dressing room, big characters, big personalities,” he said. “He’s not looking for conflict with people. He’s looking to get the best out of them.”
That is the task now for Brazil: use the leadership already in place, fold Neymar back into the attacking group, and carry a squad with 34-year-old experience into a tournament that begins with Morocco at MetLife Stadium and ends with Brazil still chasing the title that has eluded them for 24 years.
