Neymar Named in Brazil Squad

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named Neymar Jr in his 55-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while several high-profile absentees, including young forward Estevão Willian, have been ruled out due to injury.

According to an ESPN report, the list submitted to FIFA on Monday includes Neymar, but does not feature Estevão, the Chelsea forward who has been sidelined following a muscular injury.

Estevão sustained a right thigh muscle injury during a Premier League match against Manchester United on 18 April. Initial expectations suggested the 19-year-old could recover in time for the tournament, but medical assessments by both Brazil and Chelsea staff ultimately failed to confirm full fitness in time for selection.

Reports indicate that Estevão himself had come to accept that his chances of participating in the World Cup were increasingly slim. He was also described as visibly disappointed during a recent visit to his former club, Palmeiras, where he travelled for treatment.

Under FIFA regulations, all participating nations must submit a preliminary 55-man squad by 11 May. Although these lists are not officially published, they form the basis from which the final 26-man World Cup squads are selected.

Neymar’s inclusion marks a significant step in his return to international duty. The 34-year-old forward, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, has been named in a national team squad for the first time since Carlo Ancelotti took charge. Since the Italian coach’s appointment, Neymar—who has scored 79 international goals—had not featured in any squad selection, making his return a notable development in Brazil’s planning.

Estevão had previously been regarded as almost certain to be part of Brazil’s World Cup plans before his injury setback. Ancelotti is widely reported to be an admirer of the young forward, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras last summer for approximately £29 million. Since his transfer, Estevão has made 36 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals.

Brazil’s squad has also been affected by injuries to Real Madrid defenders Éder Militão and forward Rodrygo, both of whom were considered key components of Ancelotti’s tactical plans but are now set to miss the tournament due to serious fitness issues.

Selected squad developments

The final 26-man squad will be chosen from this preliminary list in line with FIFA’s selection process.