Brazil erupted in celebration on Monday night after newly appointed national team coach Carlo Ancelotti announced the inclusion of Neymar in the country’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Scenes of jubilation were witnessed across several Brazilian cities as fans gathered in bars, public viewing centers and streets to watch the squad announcement live from Rio de Janeiro’s famous Museum of Tomorrow. The loudest reaction of the evening came when Ancelotti finally called Neymar’s name, triggering chants, applause and emotional celebrations from supporters who had feared the Santos forward could miss another major international tournament.
Videos circulating widely on social media showed fans screaming “Neymar! Neymar!” while others waved Brazilian flags and set off fireworks in celebration. At the announcement venue itself, journalists and invited guests joined supporters in singing and chanting after the 34-year-old’s inclusion was confirmed.
Neymar’s selection marks one of the biggest stories of Brazil’s World Cup preparations. The former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona star has endured a difficult period over the past two years due to injuries, including the serious ACL injury suffered in October 2023 while playing for Brazil. Since then, questions had surrounded his fitness, consistency and future with the national team.
Before Monday’s announcement, pressure had mounted heavily on Ancelotti from Brazilian supporters, former players and football pundits demanding Neymar’s return. During Brazil’s Carnival celebrations earlier this year, fans even approached Ancelotti publicly and begged him to take Neymar to the World Cup, with videos of the interaction going viral online.
In March, Brazilian fans also chanted Neymar’s name during Brazil’s friendly defeat to France, a sign of the emotional connection many supporters still have with the country’s all-time leading scorer. At the time, Ancelotti avoided confirming whether the forward would return, insisting competition for places remained fierce.
However, after months of speculation, Ancelotti finally handed Neymar a place in his 26-man squad, saying the decision was based on the player’s improving fitness, experience and influence within the team. Reuters reported that the Italian coach believes Neymar’s recent performances and physical condition justified the recall.
The tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico will now likely become Neymar’s fourth and possibly final FIFA World Cup appearance. Despite criticism from some sections of the football world over his recent injury struggles, many Brazilians still view him as a national icon capable of inspiring the Seleção on the biggest stage.
Brazil, five-time world champions, will head into the tournament hoping Ancelotti can restore the nation to the summit of world football, with Neymar once again at the center of the country’s dreams.
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