Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, has been called up for the World Cup 2026 squad by coach Carlo Ancelotti for the first time. Despite concerns about his fitness following a previous ACL injury, the 34-year-old forward will join key players like Vinicius Junior and Raphinha in the 26-man squad. Ancelotti, who took over in 2025, recently extended his contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation until 2030. However, he will be missing injured players like Rodrygo and Estevao in the upcoming tournament.
Why It Matters
Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad for 2026 is significant due to his status as the country’s all-time leading goal-scorer. The decision to call up the experienced forward signals a potential shift in strategy by coach Ancelotti, who has faced challenges with injured players leading up to the tournament. As Brazil aims for success in the World Cup, Neymar’s presence could provide the team with valuable experience and leadership on the field.
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