World Cup: Top Scorer (Nation)Brazil

Japan embrace 'underdog mentality' for World Cup clash with Brazil

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti announced early Tuesday morning the "Seleção" squad participating in the 2026 World Cup, with the return of star Neymar after a long absence imposed by injuries, to appear again on the biggest football stage in the world. Neymar, 34, returns to the Brazilian national team for the first time since October 2023, when he suffered a serious injury to his left knee during a qualifying match against Uruguay, which kept him out of action for a long time. Brazil’s all-time top scorer, with 79 goals, suffered a series of physical setbacks during his time with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, before returning to his home club Santos in early 2025, where he played a prominent role in the team’s survival in the first division despite his repeated struggles with injuries, and later undergoing another surgery on the same knee at the end of last year. Neymar said after Santos' loss to Coritiba in the Brazilian league: "Physically I feel very good, and I gave everything I had. I worked silently despite everything that was being said about me." As soon as Ancelotti mentioned the name "Neymar" in the press conference hall, the attendees erupted in applause and cheers for the Brazilian star, who was on the verge of missing the tournament, which may be his last.

Brazil superstar Neymar was handed a dramatic recall to the country's World Cup squad on Monday, returning to the national team after a near three-year absence.