Neymar Reportedly Included in Brazil’s Expanded Squad as Estevao Set to Miss FIFA World Cup 2026

As per the recent reports, Chelsea forward Estevao will not be part of Brazil’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to a thigh injury. The 19-year-old has been out of action since getting injured on April 18 against Manchester United.

Estevao was left out of Brazil’s initial 55-player list submitted by coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday. Meanwhile, experienced forward Neymar has reportedly been included in the expanded squad to bolster the attack of the team.

Teams taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 had until Monday to submit a provisional list of 55 players. From this list, each team will later pick their final 26-man squad.

Neymar’s reported place in the squad is a major boost as the 34-year-old targets a fourth World Cup appearance. He remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, but he has not featured for the national team since Carlo Ancelotti became coach in June.

Ancelotti has said many times that Neymar is still in the running for selection, but he must first show that he is fully fit.

Talking about Estevao, he has left his Premier League club and returned to Brazil, where he is receiving treatment at Palmeiras. He was widely expected to make the World Cup squad after scoring five goals in his first 11 appearances, however, the latest injury setback has derailed all his plans.

Meanwhile, Éder Militão and Rodrygo will also miss the FIFA World Cup 2026 because of injuries, putting more pressure on the Brazil squad.

As far as fixtures are concerned, Brazil will play in Group C this summer with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. Their first match is against Morocco on June 13 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.