Eliminatórias 2026.
Foto:Vitor Silva/CBF
- Ancelotti includes Neymar
- Chelsea’s Pedro was omitted
- Igor Thiago makes the final list
- Brazil will face Morocco in Group C
Brazil has not won the World Cup since 2002, when they were led by the imperious Luiz Nazario Ronaldo. Their mission in North America is simple for Ancelotti- end the 24-year-long wait.
The Italian supremo’s task is to put Brazil back on top of the world and break a drought that goes back to the beginning of the 21st Century, which equals the longest period the nation has gone without winning the coveted trophy since the lean period from 1970 to 1994.
The crowd cheered when Neymar’s name was mentioned because the gathered journalists and the officials were not 100 per cent sure Carlo Ancelotti was going to take the star boy to North America for the 2026 World Cup.
Ancelotti, in an interview last week, made it clear that he will choose his players for the tournament based on two criteria: first is talent, and second is readiness in terms of physique.
Neymar is unquestionably one of the most talented Brazilian footballers ever, having scored 77 goals for the Selecao, making him the all-time top scorer for the famous national team. His talent is immense, and he still has all the attributes that made the world fall in love with his football.
However, his fitness has become his Achilles heel as he has not been able to compete at the highest level in the last three years. The Santos forward, after Santos’s 3-0 home defeat on Sunday, made it clear that it will depend on Carlo Ancelotti when he was quizzed about his chances to travel to the tournament.
Neymar, 33, will lead the team to the USA, Canada and Mexico. Barcelona’s talented forward Raphinha was included in the squad. Real Madrid’s star man, Vini Jr., and Manchester United’s talented playmaker Matheus Cunha were included.
Brazil has enough talent upfront, and the biggest omission is Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, who has scored 15 non-penalty goals and provided five assists in the English Premier League, making him one of the most prolific strikers in the league.
Joao Pedro in all competitions this season.
| Player | matches | Goals | assists |
| Joao Pedro | 49 | 20 | 9 |
His absence has already begun to divide opinion back home and across the globe because people feel he is in top form.
Brentford’s Igor Thiago received his first-ever call-up in March 2026 but has been included due to his impressive goalscoring record this season. Thiago has scored 22 goals and provided one assist, and sits second in the top scoring chart, with just four behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, making him the Brazilian who has scored more goals across the top 5 leagues in Europe.
Lyon’s Endrik, Arsenal’s Martinelli, Luis Enrique of Zenith St Petersburg and Bournemouth’s Rayan are all going to the World Cup. Ancelotti will not lack talent in attack, but will receive criticism for leaving Joao Pedro at home.
Carlo Ancelotti praises Pedro and regrets leaving him at home
The Italian manager praised the Chelsea forward but explained why he left him out.
“Believe me, I am sad for João Pedro. With the season he is having, he probably deserved to go to the World Cup.” However, with all possible respect and with so much competition, we chose other players ahead of him… But we truly feel sorry for João Pedro. I’m sorry.”
João Pedro, after missing out on the World Cup:
“I tried to give my best at all times. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfil this dream of representing my country in a World Cup. But I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be. Joys and frustrations are part of football. From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there, and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home.”
Brazil World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio).
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibáñez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg).
Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (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 St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth).
There were rumours on Saturday that Ancelotti and his team had decided to omit Chelsea’s Pedro for Neymar, and it has truly happened. Neymar will compete in his fourth World Cup, having played in the last three.
Brazilians are hoping that the former PSG man’s experience will count in their quest to win the trophy. Brazilians love Neymar and are hoping that he takes them to the holy grail.
The Selecao in Group C will face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland at the World Cup, but will play Panama and Egypt in their final preparation matches.
