Carlo Ancelotti has nearly completed Brazil’s 26‑man World Cup squad, confirming 24 players and leaving only two places undecided. According to reports in Brazil, Lucas Paquetá, Endrick and Igor Thiago are competing for the final berths, with the next six weeks proving decisive. The Seleção have just returned from a key US tour featuring friendlies against France and Croatia, matches that helped Ancelotti refine his core group ahead of the official announcement on 18 May at CBF headquarters.
Neymar, however, appears increasingly unlikely to feature. Despite speculation about a late push, neither Ancelotti nor his staff have offered any indication he is under consideration, suggesting the forward will miss the tournament. The Italian coach now faces the challenge of ending Brazil’s World Cup drought, with their last triumph dating back to 2002. His record so far stands at five wins, two draws and three defeats across ten matches, underscoring the scale of the task ahead.