Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has submitted a 55-man provisional squad to FIFA, signaling a potential World Cup swan song for superstar Neymar.
The Italian tactician is reportedly looking to balance veteran leadership with burgeoning talent as the “Canarinho” prepare for the 2026 showpiece event.
Neymar’s inclusion has ignited intense debate following his recent return to Santos, where he has netted five goals in 12 appearances after recovering from knee surgery.
Ancelotti has emphasized that only those in peak “physical and competitive condition” will make the final 26-man roster, leaving the door open for the iconic number 10.
Longtime captain Thiago Silva also reportedly features on the longlist, suggesting the manager values experienced heads for the tournament in North America.
The final squad announcement is scheduled for Monday, May 18, at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro, just weeks before their opener against Morocco.
Brazil will hold a high-profile friendly against Egypt in Cleveland as part of their final preparations before heading to their base in New Jersey.
While youngsters like Endrick and Igor Thiago have secured their spots in recent windows, the potential return of Neymar remains the primary focus for fans.
Securing a record sixth world title is the ultimate goal for the Seleção, who haven’t reached a World Cup podium since their 2002 triumph.
Brazil’s preliminary squad:
Center-backs: Marquinhos (PSG-FRA), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal-ENG), Bremer (Juventus-ITA), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Ibanez (Al-Ahli-KSA)
Alexsandro (Lille-FRA), Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro), Beraldo (PSG-FRA), Vitor Reis (Girona-ESP), Murillo (Nottingham Forest-ENG).
Right-backs: Wesley (Roma-ITA), Danilo (Flamengo), Paulo Henrique (Vasco), Vitinho (Botafogo).
Left-backs: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit-RUS), Luciano Juba (Bahia), Caio Henrique (Monaco-FRA), Kaiki (Cruzeiro), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan-ITA).
Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United-ENG), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle-ENG), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad-KSA), Andrey Santos (Chelsea-ENG), Danilo (Botafogo), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray-TUR), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton-ENG), Andreas Pereira (Palmeiras), Joelinton (Newcastle-ENG), Gerson (Cruzeiro), Matheus Pereira (Cruzeiro), Martinelli (Fluminense).
Forwards: Vini Jr. (Real Madrid-ESP), Raphinha (Barcelona-ESP), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United-ENG), Luiz Henrique (Zenit-RUS), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal-ENG), Joao Pedro (Chelsea-ENG), Estevao (Chelsea-ENG), Neymar (Santos), Endrick (Lyon-FRA), Rayan (Bournemouth-ENG), Antony (Real Betis-ESP), Igor Thiago (Brentford-ENG), Pedro (Flamengo), Richarlison (Tottenham-ENG), Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest-ENG), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro).
