Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of the Brazil national football team, has submitted a 55-man provisional squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, offering key insights into the fitness and selection status of several top Selecao stars.
The preliminary list includes Neymar, whose inclusion provides a boost despite ongoing uncertainty over his final selection. The forward has consistently featured in provisional squads under Ancelotti but has often missed out on the final cut due to fitness concerns. The Italian manager has reiterated that only fully fit players will be considered, leaving Neymar’s place in the final 26-man squad still in doubt. Reports suggest Neymar continues to work towards regaining full fitness, hoping to secure a place in the final squad.
The discussion around Neymar’s inclusion has even reached political corridors, with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva weighing in on the matter. Reflecting on a conversation with Ancelotti, Lula said, “If he’s physically fit, he’s got the football. What matters is whether he truly wants it. He has to earn his place on the pitch.”
With the World Cup approaching, Brazil’s final squad selection remains one of the most closely watched decisions in world football.
41-year-old Thiago Silva Included In FIFA World Cup Squad
Thiago Silva, the former Brazilian captain, has also been included in the side by Ancelotti. At 41-years-old, Silva can become the oldest player to play in the national side. Having led the side in 2018 and 2022, the Porto man will be looking to attempt to win the title one last time before he hangs up his boots.
Till now, the oldest player to play for Brazil was Dani Alves at 39 years old. “It would be the absolute dream and the perfect moment to stop.”
Silva scored seven goals in 113 appearances for Brazil and lifted the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013 and the Copa América in 2019. Currently, the Brazilian international plays with FC Porto in the Primera League and has been a key player for the side, helping them win the league recently in the 2025-26 season.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil’s Preliminary Squad
Here is the full squad of Brazil for the upcoming FIFA World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Bento, Hugo Souza, John, Carlos Miguel
Defenders: Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Gabriel Magalhães, Bremer, Léo Pereira, Ibáñez, Alexsandro, Fabrício Bruno, Beraldo, Vitor Reis, Murillo, Wesley, Danilo, Paulo Henrique, Vitinho, Alex Sandro, Douglas Santos, Luciano Juba, Caio Henrique, Kaiki, Carlos Augusto
Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Fabinho, Andrey Santos, Danilo, Lucas Paquetá, Gabriel Sara, João Gomes, Andreas Pereira, Joelinton, Gerson, Matheus Pereira
Forwards: Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, João Pedro, Neymar, Endrick, Rayan, Antony, Igor Thiago, Pedro, Richarlison, Igor Jesus, Kaio Jorge
Story first published: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 16:55 [IST]
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