Neymar Omitted From 2026 World Cup Sticker Album, But CBF Leaves Door Open for Late Call-Up

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief

SAO PAULO — The official 2026 FIFA World Cup sticker album, launched by Panini on April 25 in Brazil, does not include Neymar. But the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has approved the 34-year-old forward as a reserve sticker—keeping his World Cup dreams alive, if only on paper, as Carlo Ancelotti prepares Brazil’s final squad.

The omission from Panini’s album, a cultural staple in Brazil and worldwide, has fueled speculation about Neymar’s fitness and future with the Seleção. The album, released at São Paulo’s Pacaembu Stadium, features 48 qualified national teams, but Neymar’s absence from Brazil’s page stands out. He appeared in the last three World Cup albums (2014, 2018, 2022) and remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals.

Why Neymar Isn’t in the Album—Yet

Panini’s albums are typically finalized months before the tournament, often before final squads are announced. The Italian publisher includes players who are likely to be called up, but last-minute injuries, form slumps, or tactical changes can lead to omissions or replacements.

In this case, Neymar’s exclusion reflects his uncertain status. After returning from Al-Hilal to Santos in January 2026, he underwent knee surgery in December 2025 and has faced setbacks, including a muscle fatigue issue in March and another knee procedure in April. While he has resumed training, his fitness remains a question mark as Brazil prepares for the expanded 48-team tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The CBF, however, has approved Neymar as a reserve sticker—a contingency for potential late changes. Panini revises its albums closer to the tournament, swapping out players who are injured, not selected, or otherwise unavailable. For Brazil, this revision is expected in June, after Ancelotti submits his final 26-man squad by May 18.

“The Editora Panini passes a list of reserve players to the CBF for approval,” the primary source confirms. “Neymar’s name was on that list and was approved by Ancelotti. This doesn’t guarantee his call-up, but it means he’s still in consideration.”

Ancelotti’s Dilemma: Fitness vs. Legacy

Ancelotti, who took over after the 2022 World Cup, faces a balancing act. Neymar remains one of Brazil’s most talented players, but his injury history—including a torn ACL at the 2022 tournament—has raised concerns. The coach has emphasized fitness as a priority, telling reporters in April that Neymar has “roughly two months to prove he’s ready.”

Competition for spots is fierce. Brazil’s attack includes Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo (though he’s currently injured), and 17-year-old sensation Estevão, who suffered a grade-4 hamstring strain in April. Midfielders like Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá are locks, while defenders Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães anchor the backline.

Neymar’s inclusion on the reserve list suggests Ancelotti hasn’t ruled him out entirely. But with the World Cup less than two months away, the clock is ticking. Polymarket, a prediction market platform, currently gives Neymar a 33.5% chance of making the squad, citing his “persistent injury woes” and “limited time to prove full fitness.”

What Happens Next?

Brazil’s final squad will be announced on May 18, ahead of the tournament’s June 11 kickoff. If Neymar is called up, Panini will update the album to include his sticker—a rare but not unprecedented move. In 2018, for example, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah was added to the album after recovering from a shoulder injury.

For now, Neymar’s absence from the album is symbolic. It reflects the uncertainty surrounding his place in Brazil’s World Cup plans, but the CBF’s approval of his reserve status keeps hope alive—at least until May 18.

Key Takeaways

• Neymar is not in Panini’s 2026 World Cup sticker album, but the CBF has approved him as a reserve sticker for potential late inclusion.
• His omission reflects fitness concerns after knee surgery in December 2025 and subsequent setbacks.
• Carlo Ancelotti has until May 18 to finalize Brazil’s 26-man squad, with Neymar’s inclusion far from guaranteed.
• Panini revises albums in June, swapping out players who are injured or not selected.
• Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer (79 goals) but faces stiff competition for a spot.

What’s Next?

Brazil’s final World Cup squad will be announced on May 18. Fans can follow official updates on the CBF’s website or Panini’s official album page. The tournament kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City, with Brazil’s first match expected in the group stage.

Have a accept on Neymar’s World Cup chances? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media.