Brazil 2026 World Cup squad: Ancelotti selects Neymar but no room for Joao Pedro and Thiago Silva

Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced his squad for the 2026 World Cup, which begins next month in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The Italian tactician has left out Thiago Silva, who just won the Primeira Liga title with FC Porto. There was also no place for Joao Pedro despite his 20 goals for Chelsea this season.

Ancelotti will claim that Pedro has not delivered his best performances for the Selecao. He is yet to score in eight appearances for the national team.

The Brazil boss also left out Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. He has struggled for playing time and hasn’t staked a claim for his place when Ancelotti gave him a chance.

Rodrygo Goes and Estevao Willian failed to make the cut due to long-term injuries.

However, many Brazilians got their wish for Neymar Jr to be included on the list.

Despite the presence of Raphinha, Vinicius Jr and other top players, Neymar is an excellent ace up the sleeve. He has played 10 of Santos’ last 13 games and is fit.

There is admittedly a touch of sentimentality in taking Neymar to another World Cup.

Injuries have slowed the 34-year-old down, and he is no longer the unstoppable force that once terrified defences across Europe.

But Brazil’s recent struggles have also shown that reputation alone does not win matches.

When the pressure has risen, too many of the Selecao’s current stars have faded into the background.

Vinicius and Raphinha have dazzled at club level, yet neither has consistently hit Neymar’s nominal standards in the yellow shirt.

Brazil have often lacked personality, composure and that decisive spark in difficult moments.

Neymar, for all the criticism surrounding him, remains one of the few genuine big-game players Brazil can still lean on.

If he is fit and motivated, his creativity and presence could be invaluable in North America.

Brazil will hope there is still enough magic left in Neymar to inspire one final charge on football’s biggest stage.

Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Weverton.

Defenders: Alex Sandro, Gleison Bremer, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Roger Ibanez, Leo Pereira, Marquinhos, Wesley.

Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Danilo, Fabinho, Lucas Paqueta.

Forwards: Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Neymar Jr, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Rayan.