RIO DE JANEIRO – In a surprise call-up that defied widespread local football pundit predictions, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named 34-year-old star Neymar to the nation’s 26-man 2026 FIFA World Cup roster, locking in the forward’s spot for his fourth appearance at the global tournament. As Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 international caps to his name, Neymar has faced an uphill battle to regain full match fitness since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee back in October 2023. Since returning to his boyhood club Santos earlier this year, the forward has featured in 8 matches, notching four goals and two assists while working to build up match rhythm.