OFFICIAL: Neymar Left Out of Ancelotti’s Brazil Squad
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced Brazil’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, and the biggest surprise was the absence of Neymar, whose chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup are now under increasing scrutiny.
The Brazil National Team revealed its squad for the upcoming FIFA international window, and one name was notably missing: Neymar. The Santos forward, one of the most iconic players in Brazilian football history, was not included by Carlo Ancelotti for the friendlies scheduled against France and Croatia later this month.
The decision has raised questions about the veteran attacker’s future with the national team, especially since this call-up represents the final squad announcement before the Italian manager names the definitive 26-player roster for the 2026 World Cup.
Since returning to Santos, Neymar had been working to regain form and prove he deserved another opportunity with the Seleção. However, recurring injuries and a lack of consistent playing time have made his comeback increasingly complicated.
Injuries and Lack of Match Fitness Affect Neymar
The Brazilian star has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Since then, his recovery has been inconsistent, with several muscular setbacks delaying his return to top form.
Although Neymar has shown flashes of his quality in certain matches with Santos, he has struggled to maintain regular playing time. Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly emphasized that only players who are fully fit will be considered for national team selection.
The Italian coach even attended a recent match between Santos and Mirassol to evaluate the forward in person, but the player did not take part due to muscular fatigue. Later, Neymar did feature in the derby against Corinthians, although his performance fell short of expectations.
A Squad Packed With Attacking Talent
While the future of Neymar with the national team remains uncertain, Carlo Ancelotti opted for a young and dynamic attacking lineup for the upcoming matches. Among the standout names in the squad are Vinícius Jr. from Real Madrid, Raphinha from Barcelona, Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal, and João Pedro from Chelsea.
Other forwards who have impressed in Europe this season were also included, such as Matheus Cunha from Manchester United, Igor Thiago from Brentford, and rising talent Endrick, currently on loan from Real Madrid to Lyon.
In midfield, experienced players like Casemiro of Manchester United and Fabinho of Al Ittihad provide leadership, while the defense features established figures including Marquinhos of PSG and Gabriel Magalhães of Arsenal.
The absence of Neymar, the all-time leading scorer for Brazil, leaves an important question unanswered: whether the superstar can regain his best form in time to convince Carlo Ancelotti before the final 2026 World Cup squad is announced. For now, the Brazilian icon faces a race against time to return to the Seleção.
