Fakayejo Paul
The wait is almost over for Brazilian fans. On Monday, May 11, 2026, head coach Carlo Ancelotti officially included Neymar Jr. in Brazil’s 55-man preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While his presence on the initial list is a major milestone in his recovery, his ticket to North America is not yet fully guaranteed.
The Road to Recovery
Neymar’s inclusion comes after a grueling period of uncertainty following the serious ACL injury he suffered against Uruguay in October 2023. Since returning to his boyhood club Santos, the 34-year-old has shown flashes of his former self:
- Stats: In 12 matches this year, Neymar has recorded 5 goals and 3 assists, proving he still possesses the “magic touch” in the final third.
- The Ancelotti Stance: Ancelotti has been vocal about only bringing players in peak physical condition. By including Neymar in the 55-man list, the Italian manager is giving the superstar every possible chance to prove his match fitness during the final week of domestic competition.
Key Squad Notes
The preliminary list also features several other major storylines:
- Veterans Return: Alongside Neymar, veteran defender Thiago Silva (currently at FC Porto) has also made the cut, suggesting Ancelotti values leadership for the tournament.
- Absences: Notably absent from the list are Gabriel Jesus, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão, with the latter two ruled out due to severe injuries.
- Rising Stars: Young talents like Estêvão (Chelsea) and Endrick (Lyon) are included, signaling a blend of experience and youth.
The Final Cut: May 18
The 55-man list will be trimmed down to the final 26-man roster on Monday, May 18, 2026.
According to reports from O Globo, the coaching staff will spend the next seven days closely monitoring Neymar’s training data and medical reports. Lionel Messi has even weighed in on the debate, publicly stating that “football is more enjoyable when Neymar is present,” adding further pressure on the CBF to ensure their all-time leading scorer is on the plane.
With Neymar showing he still has the clinical edge at Santos but struggling with overall intensity, do you think Ancelotti should take the gamble and bring him as a “super-sub” leader, or is the physical demand of a 48-team World Cup too high for a player just returning from an ACL tear?