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Rabat – Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti has included Neymar in the 55-man preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup, according to Globo Esporte.
The same source indicates that The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is set to send this initial list to FIFA this Monday. This selection keeps the Santos star in the running as the team begins narrowing down the final roster for the tournament.
Neymar’s spot on the list has recently sparked discussion because of a severe knee injury and a series of muscle issues. These health challenges have kept him off the pitch for the Brazilian national team since October 2023.
The 34-year-old suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee during a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in Montevideo, an injury that sidelined him for an entire year while playing for the Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.
Since returning to Santos in January 2025, Neymar has worked to regain the form requested by Ancelotti for his national team comeback. He showed a glimpse of that quality on Sunday, scoring his sixth goal of the season in a 2-0 win over Bragantino in the Brazilian Championship.
The Brazilian veteran also found the net last Wednesday, scoring in a 1-1 Copa Sudamericana draw against Recoleta during a match held in Paraguay.
Ancelotti is scheduled to reveal his final World Cup roster next Monday, May 18, officially narrowing down the squad just weeks before the tournament begins.
The tournament, hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is set to begin on June 11, with Brazil scheduled to face Morocco in their opening match two days later.
