Neymar named in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad as Ancelotti finalizes roster
Seven national teams have now named their 26-man squads for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti making a headline-grabbing decision on Neymar while Colombia, the United States, and the Netherlands finalize rosters packed with European-based talent.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has included Neymar in his squad for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from 11 June to 19 July, *Digi24* reports . The 32-year-old forward, who missed the 2022 World Cup through injury, will aim to lead the five-time champions in what could be his final major tournament.
Colombia manager Néstor Lorenzo has assembled a squad brimming with star power, including Liverpool winger Luis Díaz and Bayer Leverkusen’s standout defender Santiago Arias, as the South Americans target a deep run . Lorenzo’s selection leans heavily on Europe-based players, with 22 of the 26 squad members plying their trade in the continent’s top leagues.
The United States, under Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, will rely on a core of European-based talent, including Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic and AC Milan’s Yunus Musah, as they seek to advance beyond the group stage on home soil . The squad features 18 players from European clubs, with the remainder drawn from Major League Soccer.
The Netherlands, managed by Ronald Koeman, have named a squad where 16 of the 26 players compete in the English Premier League or Championship, underscoring the Dutch league’s diminished role in producing top-tier talent . Key figures include Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Manchester City’s Nathan Aké, with the team aiming to improve on their 2022 quarterfinal exit.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanding the tournament’s reach but also raising questions about competitive balance. With squads now set for several contenders, attention turns to the final roster announcements from traditional powerhouses like Argentina, France, and Germany, expected in the coming days.
