Brazil unveils 2026 World Cup squad with surprise inclusion of veteran Neymar

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti unveiled his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, with the veteran attacker Neymar emerging as a surprise inclusion that has sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits.

As doubts remain about the form and fitness of the 34-year-old Neymar ahead of the showpiece event, Ancelotti addressed the controversy surrounding the call-up, saying the forward would be treated like any other member of the squad, whether giving a starting position or remaining on the bench.

The expanded 2026 tournament will feature a record number of 48 teams and see the competition being hosted across three countries for the first time, with games scheduled to take place in the U.S., Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

Brazil enters the tournament in less than glittering form, but some journalists believe the five-time champions could defy the odds.

Sports journalist Rodrigo Silva noted that Brazil has historically performed well when it is not ranked among the favorites, recalling the team's triumph in 1994, which also marked the last time the World Cup was held in North America.

Fellow journalist Ricardo Neto acknowledged that there are low expectations given the team's poor run of results through the qualifying phase, but said he is confident fans will rally behind the side.

Brazil last lifted the World Cup trophy in 2002 and hosted the tournament 12 years ago, when the then superstar Neymar was injured prior to the team's infamous 7-1 defeat to eventual winner Germany.

In Sao Paulo, fans shared their views on Neymar's role, with many believing his experience could be valuable around the squad, even if he may not be able to recreate some of the magic of his prime years.

"Throughout the year, Neymar hasn't performed as well as we expected, but he still carries influence in the dressing room. He is capable of creating the right environment for the players to give their best. I think that was the main reason for his call-up -- to motivate the team rather than to be decisive on the pitch. But perhaps he'll score a goal there like the one against Croatia [in 2022] and end up being decisive," said Lilian Santos, a local advertising professional.

"He's not at 100 percent physically, but he's the only genius in the squad and couldn't be left out," said Luana Almeida, an administrative assistant.

Brazil is set to open its campaign in Group C against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey, before facing Haiti and Scotland.

Brazil unveils 2026 World Cup squad with surprise inclusion of veteran Neymar

An inheritor of the age-old Tibetan Thangka art form has introduced Chinese painting and sketching techniques to the Thangka classroom as he looks to inspire the next generation, believing that innovation is the best way to carry forward tradition.

Konchoge, a seasoned artist based in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, has adopted the novel approach to add a distinctive flair to his art. His works are striking in that they integrate traditional Chinese painting techniques which reinvigorate the thousand-year-old practice of Thangka.

The subject matter portrayed in Thangka paintings is diverse, ranging from recreations of Princess Wencheng's epic journey to the Xizang region during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) period, to more complex depictions such as Tibetan medical illustrations.

Konchoge explained how embracing sketching techniques helps add another dimension to the historical Thangka practice.

"When we depict animals or figures, the Thangka tradition doesn't have the method of sketching found in traditional Chinese painting. We've embraced this technique, allowing these animals and figures to spring to life, so to speak," he said.

Recognized for his artistic talent, Konchoge was once funded by the state to further his studies at the Academy of Arts and Design at the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing, where he honed his skills.

Meanwhile, with the government providing annual funding to support the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, enrollment at the Xizang Academy of Thangka has been freely offered to the public since its founding in 2012, helping to preserve the tradition among a new generation of artists.

"No payment is required; moreover, we provide lunch consisting of three dishes and one soup, accompanied by butter tea and sweet tea," said Konchoge, who now works at the academy.

By integrating techniques from other traditional Chinese arts into his own, Konchoge is achieving a unique cultural fusion. Now, thanks to state support, the Xizang Academy of Thangka is introducing the glories of an enduring and evolving craft to the whole world.

"Preserving the ancient techniques is our mission; innovation is the best way to carry forward the tradition," Konchoge said.

Konchoge's story was featured in a new episode of the documentary "Yes, it's Xizang!" -- which was released by the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Thursday.

Inheritor of Tibetan Thangka inheritor embraces innovation to carry forward age-old tradition