RIO DE JANEIRO — The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has officially confirmed that Neymar Jr. will wear the iconic No. 10 jersey for Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The announcement puts to rest months of intense speculation regarding the forward's role in head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. While Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Jr. had worn the No. 10 during Neymar's lengthy absence from the national team, he has now handed the jersey back, opting for the No. 7 shirt instead.

Navigating Fitness Challenges

Neymar’s path to the tournament has been marked by significant hurdles. The 34 year-old, who currently plays for Santos, has been battling fitness concerns, including a grade two calf injury sustained during a club match on May 17, 2026.

Despite these setbacks, the Brazilian technical staff has kept faith in the veteran star. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Neymar remains a vital part of the team's plans:

      •  Recovery Status: Neymar is currently undergoing a strict rehabilitation program. While he has been ruled out of the final warm-up friendlies against Panama and Egypt, he is expected to be available for Brazil's opening World Cup match against Morocco on June 13, or at the latest, the second group stage game.

      •  Selection Confidence: Ancelotti emphasized that the decision to include Neymar in the 26-man squad was made with the expectation of his full recovery, signaling the coach’s trust in Neymar’s experience and leadership for the "Seleção’s" quest for a sixth World Cup title.

Key Squad Assignments

The CBF also confirmed several other key squad numbers that will define the team's structure in North America:

      •  Goalkeeping Corps: Alisson Becker (No. 1), Weverton (No. 12), Ederson (No. 23).

      •  Midfield Anchor: Casemiro (No. 5).

      •  Attacking Talent: Vinícius Jr. (No. 7).

As Brazil prepares to enter the tournament, the confirmation of the squad numbers serves as a major psychological boost for the team. Fans will get their first look at the side in their final warm-up fixtures before they begin their tournament journey in New York/New Jersey.