Brazil superstar Neymar has been handed a dramatic recall to the country's World Cup squad, returning to the national team after a near three-year absence.
The inclusion of Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, was the biggest surprise in the 26-man squad named by coach Carlo Ancelotti at a gala ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.
"We monitored Neymar throughout the year and observed that, in recent times, he has been playing consistently and his physical condition has improved," Ancelotti said. "We believe he is an important player."
The 34-year-old forward, a veteran of the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, had not played for Brazil since suffering a knee injury during a World Cup qualifying game against Uruguay in 2023. He rejoined boyhood club Santos in January after an injury-ravaged stint in Saudi Arabia.
Neymar joins a potent line-up of attackers that includes Barcelona striker Raphinha and Real Madrid's Vinícius Junior. However, there was no place in the squad for Premier League-based strikers João Pedro and Richarlison.
Scotland's Return After 28 Years
Scotland also made history by naming their first World Cup finals squad in 28 years. Captain Andy Robertson (Liverpool) leads a squad featuring Scott McTominay (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), and Billy Gilmour (Napoli).
"The magnitude of the event has become more and more clear to me as I've travelled across America," manager Steve Clarke told reporters. "I understand the responsibility we've got to produce our very best."
Scotland face Haiti (June 13), Morocco (June 19), and record five-time champions Brazil (June 24) in Group C — with veteran 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon earning a remarkable call-up.
Squad Deadline
Each nation's final 26-player squad must be submitted to FIFA by June 1 and officially announced by June 2, though many teams have already confirmed their rosters early.