The international press responded with surprise to Neymar’s call-up for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti announced this Monday afternoon (18) the 26 players who will defend the Brazilian team in the world cup — among them, the 34-year-old Santos striker, who will compete in the tournament for the fourth time.
“The New York Times” contrasted the coach’s choice with Neymar’s absence from the Brazilian team’s games since October 2023. The newspaper classified the exclusion of striker João Pedro as the most significant.
The Spanish newspaper “As” treated Ancelotti’s choice as a “world bomb”, in addition to classifying the presence of Neymar and Endrick as a reward for the present and future of Brazil. “The controversy is served,” he wrote.
Fellow countryman “Marca” was less effusive when he said that the uncertainty came to an end with the announcement of the striker to defend the Brazilian team.
In the same vein, the Portuguese “A Bola” expressed surprise with Neymar among Ancelotti’s 26 names and highlighted the absence of Thiago Silva, from Porto — who has not played a match for Brazil since 2022.
In Italy, the “Gazzetta dello Sport” reported the euphoria and party that took over the auditorium where Neymar’s announcement was made. He also emphasized the striker’s entry into the “select group” of nine players who played in four World Cups wearing the green and yellow shirt.
