Neymar is not included in Brazil’s World Cup warm-up squad
Neymar was omitted from the most recent Brazil squad announced by coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday for this month’s friendlies, as the five-time world champions advance their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Prior to the competition in the US, Mexico, and Canada, Brazil will play France in Boston on March 26 and Croatia in Orlando on March 31.
Neymar’s absence follows the 34-year-old missing a recent game for Santos FC due to muscle fatigue, a match that Ancelotti intended to observe in person during a scouting trip prior to the squad announcement.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not represented the national team since sustaining a significant knee injury in October 2023 and has faced challenges in achieving a steady flow of matches since rejoining Santos last year.
“Neymar will be part of the World Cup if he is fully fit,” Ancelotti stated to reporters on Monday following the announcement of his squad. I refrained from calling him because he’s not at his best. Neymar needs to be fully committed to training and competing.
Neymar expressed his disappointment and sadness about being excluded during a Kings League event in Sao Paulo on Monday.
Yet I stay committed, day in and day out, through each training session and every match. We will reach our objective. The journey persists.
Ancelotti has summoned 19-year-old Endrick, marking his return to international play after nearly a year, and has given a first call-up to Brentford’s Igor Thiago as Brazil aims to revitalize their attacking lineup.
In June, Brazil is set to face Egypt in another friendly match prior to kicking off their Group C World Cup journey against Morocco on June 13.
Brazil team:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahce)
Defenders: Wesley (AS Roma), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg), Marquinhos (Paris St Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo)
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
Forwards: Endrick (Olympique Lyonnais), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St Petersburg), Rayan (Bournemouth), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
