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RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s star forward Neymar Jr. received the loudest cheer of the evening after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed his inclusion in the squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 during a gala ceremony here on Monday.
The veteran forward completed a dramatic return to the national side after nearly three years away, with his selection emerging as the biggest talking point from Brazil’s 26-man squad announcement.
Ancelotti revealed Neymar’s name shortly after confirming the selection of Matheus Cunha, triggering a huge reaction inside the venue.
As soon as the Italian coach announced “Neymar Jr.,” the crowd erupted into loud applause and chants, forcing Ancelotti to briefly pause and allow the moment to sink in.
The roar from the audience turned into an anthem-like chant of Neymar’s name as the audience celebrated the return of Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The 34-year-old attacker, who has scored 79 goals in 128 appearances for Brazil, had not represented his country since suffering a knee injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in 2023.
A combination of injuries and inconsistent fitness had kept Neymar out of the national setup. Ancelotti had previously left him out of Brazil’s March friendlies against France and Croatia due to fitness concerns.
The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star is now set to feature in his fourth World Cup after previously representing Brazil in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.
Brazil, who are chasing a record sixth World Cup crown, open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 before playing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.
Neymar joins a potent line-up of attackers that includes Barcelona striker Raphinha and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
