Neymar included in Brazil's World Cup squad, Joao Pedro left out

Brazil will have its all-time leading scorer at this summer's World Cup.

Veteran forward Neymar was included in Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the tournament in North America, a decision deemed unlikely by many ahead of Monday's roster reveal.

The 34-year-old has struggled with form and fitness since tearing his ACL in 2023, and, prior to Monday's announcement, hadn't been selected by Ancelotti for any of Brazil's matches since the Italian took the job in May 2025.

Neymar, who has already appeared in three World Cups, suffered that serious knee injury while playing for the Selecao in World Cup qualifying.

He rejoined boyhood club Santos after a challenging spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, and his form in Brazil, while not always consistent, convinced Ancelotti to bring him back into the mix.

With the likes of Rodrygo and Estevao already ruled out of the upcoming competition due to injuries of their own, space opened up for Neymar, who has scored 79 goals for the Selecao in 128 appearances in his career.

Chelsea's Joao Pedro appears to be the unfortunate forward who was left off the roster to make room for Neymar, while 41-year-old defender Thiago Silva, a former captain at the quadrennial event, was another notable omission.

Brazil's World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus) Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Roger Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (AS Roma)

Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Danilo (Botafogo), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)

Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Vinicius (Real Madrid), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Neymar (Santos), Raphinha (Barcelona), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Rayan (Bournemouth), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit)

Brazil, chasing its sixth World Cup title, will play Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C.