Brazil 2026 World Cup Preliminary Squad: Neymar Returns After Long Absence

Carlo Ancelotti has delivered a major surprise by including both Neymar Jr. and Thiago Silva in Brazil’s preliminary 55-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After months without call-ups, the two Brazilian legends have been given a lifeline as Ancelotti finalizes his extended roster. Neymar is currently shining at Santos, while Thiago Silva continues to perform at a high level with Porto.Key HighlightsNeymar Jr. last played for Brazil in October 2023.

Thiago Silva last appeared in December 2022 at the 2022 World Cup.

Despite their inclusion, neither player has a guaranteed spot in the final 26-man squad due to strong competition.

Brazil Preliminary Squad 2026 – Full List

Goalkeepers

Alisson (Liverpool)

Ederson (Fenerbahçe)

Bento (Al-Nassr)

Hugo Souza (Corinthians)

John (Nottingham Forest)

Carlos Miguel (Palmeiras)

Defenders

Marquinhos (PSG)

Thiago Silva (Porto)

Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)

Bremer (Juventus)

Léo Pereira (Flamengo)

Ibañez (Al-Ahli)

Alexsandro (Lille)

Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro)

Beraldo (PSG)

Vitor Reis (Girona)

Murillo (Nottingham Forest)

Right Backs:

Wesley (Roma), Danilo (Flamengo), Paulo Henrique (Vasco), Vitinho (Botafogo)

Left Backs:

Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Luciano Juba (Bahia), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Kaiki (Cruzeiro), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan)

Midfielders

Casemiro (Manchester United)

Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)

Fabinho (Al-Ittihad)

Andrey Santos (Chelsea)

Danilo (Botafogo)

Lucas Paquetá (Flamengo)

Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)

João Gomes (Wolverhampton)

Andreas Pereira (Palmeiras)

Joelinton (Newcastle United)

Gerson (Cruzeiro)

Matheus Pereira (Cruzeiro)

Forwards

Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)

Raphinha (Barcelona)

Matheus Cunha (Manchester United)

Luiz Henrique (Zenit)

Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

João Pedro (Chelsea)

Estêvão (Chelsea)

Neymar Jr. (Santos)

Endrick (Lyon)

Rayan (Bournemouth)

Antony (Real Betis)

Igor Thiago (Brentford)

Pedro (Flamengo)

Richarlison (Tottenham)

Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest)

Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro)

Neymar and Thiago Silva’s Chances

Thiago Silva (41 years old) faces stiff competition from in-form centre-backs like Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Bremer. His lack of versatility as a full-back is also a concern for Ancelotti.Neymar Jr. (34 years old) is now playing as a creative attacking midfielder and is in strong form at Santos. However, he must compete with rising talents such as Endrick, Igor Thiago, Rayan, and established stars like Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha.Ancelotti is expected to make final cuts closer to the tournament as he balances youth and experience.

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