{"id":669673,"date":"2026-05-12T15:28:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T19:28:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=669673"},"modified":"2026-05-12T15:36:30","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T19:36:30","slug":"neymar-world-cup-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2026\/05\/12\/neymar-world-cup-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Neymar Back for Brazil – But Chelsea Star Misses Out"},"content":{"rendered":"

As many domestic leagues wrap up over the coming weeks, attention is turning to the 2026 World Cup. Squads are beginning to be announced, with some still to be confirmed. Brazil<\/span><\/a> are often pre-tournament favourites for any World Cup, and they have now announced their preliminary squad<\/span> for this summer\u2019s competition, as reported by Globo<\/a>,<\/p>\n

Neymar Makes Preliminary Squad – Estevao Misses Out<\/span><\/h2>\n

Brazil 2026 World Cup<\/h3>\n

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has submitted his 55-man provisional World Cup squad to FIFA. It\u2019s an intriguing insight into what Ancelotti is looking for, and an indication of the fitness of some well-known players.<\/p>\n

The headline from the squad is undoubtedly the return of 34-year-old Neymar. The Italian manager had previously said he “will only call up players who are physically ready<\/span><\/a>” to compete at the highest level. This is a huge vote of confidence for such a talismanic player, and it will be a huge boost to the squad and the country.<\/p>\n

Read More<\/strong>: 2026 FIFA World Cup Power Rankings: 15-19 Including Belgium and Colombia<\/a><\/p>\n

Not a surprise, but a huge blow for Brazil is Chelsea starlet Estevao not making the squad, due to a hamstring injury<\/a>. The young winger decided against surgery to make this summer\u2019s competition, but the CBF medical department has determined the 19-year-old will not be fit in time. A huge blow for Ancelotti and the player. Another notable inclusion is 41-year-old Thiago Silva, who seems to defy his age and operate at the highest level.<\/p>\n

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Brazil Preliminary Squad<\/span><\/h3>\n
Goalkeepers<\/strong><\/div>\n