Carlo Ancelotti named his final team for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday. Neymar made the cut in Brazil's 26-member squad for the trip to North America, but the likes of Joao Pedro and Antony failed to find a place.

Neymar, the country's leading goalscorer, last played for Brazil in October 2023. Since leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the 34-year-old has struggled with form and injuries. Currently at Santos, the former Barcelona man has scored four and assisted three goals in eight league matches.

Meanwhile, there are no real surprises in Brazil's final squad for the World Cup. With Rodrygo injured, the 19-year-old Bournemouth forward Rayan is given a chance to impress in the USA. Notably, the squad features eight players from the English Premier League and seven from Brazil's top soccer league.

Carlo Ancelotti explains Neymar's inclusion

Earlier this year, Neymar expressed his desire to return to the national setup and be part of Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He was ignored for Brazil's last friendly international matches in March, but the star forward managed to earn Ancelotti's trust weeks before the mega event in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

After the squad announcement, Brazil's head coach talked about Neymar's experience in World Cup tournaments and hinted at a substitute role for the player.

"He has improved his fitness," Carlo Ancelotti said while speaking to reporters in Rio de Janeiro. "He will be an important player in this World Cup. He has experience in this kind of competition, the love of our group; he can create a better environment in this group. We chose Neymar not because we think he'll be a good substitute. We chose Neymar because we believe he can help the team, whether it's for one minute, five minutes, 90 minutes, or even taking a penalty."

Brazil squad for FIFA World Cup 2026:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit)

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth)

Meanwhile, Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, are slotted in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, and will kick off their campaign on June 13 in New Jersey.

Also read: France name 26-man FIFA World Cup 2026 squad as Didier Deschamps eyes final dance