Brazil World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Carlo Ancelotti

Neymar at 34 — the biggest gamble at the entire tournament

Neymar spent more than two years out injured. He returned to Santos — the club where it all began — and worked his way back to fitness. Now he is in the Brazil squad for a World Cup at 34. Ancelotti has made the call. Whether it is brilliant or catastrophic will only be known once the tournament is underway. There is no middle ground here. Either Neymar is still capable of producing moments of magic that change games at this level, or he is a romantic selection that costs Brazil in the knockout rounds. That is the bet Ancelotti has made.

Joao Pedro left out — the hardest call to defend

Joao Pedro scored 15 Premier League goals for Chelsea. He won Chelsea's Player of the Season award. He was one of the most consistent strikers in England across the entire campaign. And he is not in this squad. Ancelotti said he deserved to be selected but that he chose other players based on their characteristics for the way Brazil want to play. Whether that explanation satisfies anyone is another matter. It is the most controversial omission from any major nation's squad and the one that will be spoken about longest if Brazil fail to deliver.

Rodrygo and Estevao both injured — two huge losses before a ball is kicked

Rodrygo was one of Brazil's most important attacking players. He is not here due to injury. Estevao — the young Chelsea forward who had been exceptional — is also injured and could not be included. Losing two players of that quality before the tournament even begins changes what Brazil can do and forces Ancelotti to trust players who were not originally his first choices in those positions. It is a significant blow to go into a World Cup already short of key attackers.

Vinicius Junior leads the attack — and he is ready

Vinicius Junior is 24 years old and has been arguably the best player in the world at Real Madrid over the past two seasons. His pace, his directness and his ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations make him one of the most dangerous attackers in world football right now. If Brazil win this World Cup, Vinicius will be the reason. Ancelotti knows him better than any coach in the world having worked with him at Real Madrid. That familiarity is a significant advantage.

Twenty-four years. Ancelotti. Brazil's final frontier.

Brazil last won the World Cup in 2002. Twenty-four years have passed. They have had some of the most talented squads in world football during that time and come away empty-handed every time. Carlo Ancelotti has won the Champions League four times. He has managed at the highest level for three decades. He has won league titles in England, Spain, France, Germany and Italy. This is the one thing missing from his record. Whether that combination — Brazil's talent and Ancelotti's experience — is finally enough is the central question of the 2026 World Cup.

Who is in Brazil's World Cup 2026 squad?

Carlo Ancelotti named a 26-man Brazil squad for World Cup 2026. Vinicius Junior leads the attack alongside Raphinha, Neymar, Martinelli, Endrick and Matheus Cunha. Marquinhos captains the side. Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta anchor the midfield. Alisson is first choice in goal.

Is Neymar in Brazil's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Neymar is 34 and returned to Santos after over two years out injured. Ancelotti has included him in the squad. It is the most debated selection in Brazil's squad and the one with the highest risk and highest reward.

Why was Joao Pedro left out of Brazil's World Cup squad?

Joao Pedro scored 15 Premier League goals for Chelsea and won their Player of the Season. Ancelotti said he deserved to be in the squad but picked other players for their characteristics in the system Brazil plan to use. It is the most controversial omission of any major squad at World Cup 2026.

Who is Brazil's captain at World Cup 2026?

Marquinhos is Brazil's captain at World Cup 2026. The PSG centre back is 30 years old and one of the most experienced players in the squad.

Can Brazil win the World Cup 2026?

Brazil have not won since 2002. With Vinicius Junior in the best form of his life and Ancelotti bringing a wealth of experience as manager, the conditions are there for something special. The loss of Rodrygo and Estevao to injury and the Joao Pedro omission create uncertainty in attack. But Brazil have always had enough quality to compete. Whether they can put it together in the knockout rounds is what everything comes down to.