Two of the greatest footballers on the planet named for World Cup

Neymar has been named in Brazil's squad for next month's World Cup, manager Carlo Ancelotti says, handing the forward a chance to return to international football's biggest stage after an injury-disrupted cycle.

The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, comes back following a prolonged absence due to a series of injuries that kept him out for much of the qualifying campaign, as the five-time champions pursue a record-extending sixth title.

Sixty-six-year-old Italian Ancelotti, who took over Brazil last year, had not previously called the former Barcelona and Paris St Germain player. He told Reuters earlier this month that Neymar's inclusion would be based on fitness and form, not sentiment.

Neymar, who has 79 international goals but has not featured for Brazil since 2023, has faced questions about his fitness and form following an injury-marred spell at Al Hilal and an underwhelming return to his boyhood club Santos last year.

Brazil are in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.

Modric set for another tournament

Croatia captain Luka Modric was included in the country's preliminary World Cup squad, just weeks after undergoing cheekbone surgery, as the 40-year-old midfield maestro targets a fifth tournament.

Head coach Zlatko Dalic named a 26-man provisional squad, with seven players on standby. The final Croatia squad for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June, is set to be announced on 1 June.

Modric is expected to recover in time from the injury he suffered last month to anchor Croatia's midfield in what is likely to be his final appearance at the World Cup. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner brings a wealth of experience, with 196 international caps, and remains central to Croatia's ambitions.

Croatia head into the tournament facing a tricky test in Group L, where they will take on England, Ghana and Panama.

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