Neymar, 34, will make his fourth appearance at the competition which starts on 11 June with a game between Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Matches will also take place in the United States and Canada.
"Neymar has improved his fitness," said Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti when unveiling his 26-man squad at a gala ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. "He will be animportant player in this World Cup."
After two years withAl Hilalin Saudi Arabia, Neymar rejoined his boyhood club Santos in 2025. The former Barcelona andParis Saint-Germainplayer will go into the 2026 World Cup aiming to add to a record 79 goals for his country.
Neymar has scored a record 79 goals for Brazil.
Notable omission
Chelsea striker forward Joao Pedro was the most notable omission from the Brazil forward line. Ancelotti selected Real Madrid'sVinicius Junioras well as Rayan, Igor Thiago and Matheus Cunha who play for theEnglish Premier Leagueclubs Bournemouth, Brentford and Manchester United respectively.
Endrick, who turns out for the Ligue 1 outfit Lyon has also been included along with thePSGskipper Marquinhos.
"It was very difficult to choose 26 players," said Ancelotti. "Why? Because the competition in Brazil is very, very high. I know someplayers who have played for the national team this year will be unhappy."
Brazil, the most successful side at the World Cup with five wins, start their Group C campaign on 14 June with a game against Morocco at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Six days later, they take on Haiti at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and they wrap up the pool stages on 25 June with a tie against Scotland in Miami.
Joy of six
While Brazil seek a sixth winner's trophy since the inception of the World Cupin 1930,Portugal are still chasing a first triumph.
Boss Roberto Martinez anointed Ronaldo skipper of the squad that includes four players from theLigue 1champions PSG.
The 41-year-old, like Neymar, will enter the competition with an opportunity to confirm his position as the leading men's international goalscorer.
Ronaldo notched up his first goal for his country during a Euro 2004 game against Greece. In October 2025, he scored twice against Hungary to take his tally to 143.
Ronaldo's Al Nassr teammate Joao Felix will also be in the mix among the forwards.
In the run-up to the tournament, Portugal will face Chile and Nigeria in friendlies before their Group K opener againstDemocratic Republic of Congoin Houston.
They stay in the Texan city for the match against Uzbekistan on 23 June and finish against Colombia on 27 June at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
"In my experience, at a World Cup, a player doesn't follow the pattern of club form, age-related performance or anything like that," said Martinez.
"The focus is our group," he added. "All of the players are focused. They're prepared for the demands of a World Cup and we just need to manage day by day."
Originally published on RFI
