Is his return coming?: Neymar was included in Brazil's preliminary list of 55 for the World Cup.

Less than a month before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Neymar is once again at the center of attention in Brazil. The forward was included by Carlo Ancelotti in the preliminary list of 55 players, although his presence in the final roster remains uncertain and will mainly depend on his physical condition.

The inclusion of the number 10 is based on a criterion that the Italian coach has maintained since his arrival: to consider him as long as he is fit, although so far he has not managed to make it into final call-ups during his tenure. "If he returns to being at 100%, something he is fully capable of, he will be able to play for the National Team. But he has to prove that he has the physical condition necessary to play in the next World Cup," Carletto had previously assured.

However, so far Ney has not managed to make it into final call-ups during his tenure, and currently, within the structure of the national team, they understand that seeing him among the 26 would be a surprise. If he returns, it would be his first participation with the Canarinha since October 17, 2023, when he suffered a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee in a South American Qualifiers match against Uruguay.

Brazil's absences and doubts

Setting aside Neymar's situation, Brazil's planning is affected by several significant absences. The most notable is Estêvão, who suffered a grade 4 muscle injury in his right thigh and was ruled out after a joint evaluation between the CBF medical staff and his club. The diagnosis indicates that he will not be fit even for a hypothetical knockout stage.

In addition to this absence, Éder Militão in defense and Rodrygo in attack are also out, both with long recovery injuries, which forces a rethinking of the squad's formation. In light of this situation, Ancelotti is considering alternatives, including Rayan, a forward from Bournemouth who left a good impression during the last FIFA date, and also Pedro, a Flamengo striker who is going through a great moment and has entered consideration despite not having previous experience with the senior national team.

On the other hand, the midfield also presents questions. Names like Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Fabinho, Danilo, and Lucas Paquetá have an advantage, while Andrey Santos is losing ground due to his recent inconsistency.

With the deadline for lists set for May 30, Ancelotti will define his final call-up in the coming days. In the lead-up to the World Cup, Brazil will play two preparation friendlies: on May 31 against Panama at Maracanã and on June 6 against Egypt in Cleveland. Already in the World Cup, the Scratch will be part of Group C, where they will play against Morocco (June 13 in New Jersey), Haiti (June 19 in Philadelphia), and Scotland (June 24 in Miami).

The 55 players in Brazil's preliminary list

Goalkeepers

• Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

• Ederson (Fenerbahçe)

• Bento (Al-Nassr)

• Hugo Souza (Corinthians)

• John (Nottingham Forest)

• Carlos Miguel (Palmeiras)

Defenders

• Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)

• Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)

• Bremer (Juventus)

• Léo Pereira (Flamengo)

• Ibañez (Al-Ahli)

• Alexsandro (Lille)

• Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro)

• Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain)

• Vitor Reis (Girona)

• Murillo (Nottingham Forest)

• Wesley (Roma)

• Danilo (Flamengo)

• Paulo Henrique (Vasco da Gama)

• Vitinho (Botafogo)

• Alex Sandro (Flamengo)

• Douglas Santos (Zenit)

• Luciano Juba (Bahia)

• Caio Henrique (Monaco)