Quick Read
- Neymar has been excluded from Brazil’s latest squad due to fitness concerns, as confirmed by coach Carlo Ancelotti.
- Ancelotti stated Neymar is not at 100% physical capability, but left the door open for a potential 2026 World Cup appearance.
- Young talents like Endrick and Igor Thiago have received call-ups, signaling a blend of experience and new talent for Brazil.
ՌԻՈ ԴԵ ԺԱՆԵՅՐՈ (Azat TV) – Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of the Brazilian national football team, has announced his squad for the upcoming international friendlies against France and Croatia, notably excluding veteran forward Neymar. Despite the omission, Ancelotti stated that Neymar’s hopes of participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup are not entirely extinguished, provided he can regain full physical fitness.
Neymar’s Fitness Concerns Dominate Selection
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has been sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury since 2023 and has not played for the Seleção since then. While the 34-year-old forward recently returned to action for Santos, appearing in their draw against Corinthians, his performance did not convince Ancelotti’s staff, who were present at the match. Ancelotti explicitly stated that Neymar was not included because he is “not at 100 percent of his capability.” He emphasized that the decision was based purely on physical evaluation, not technical skill, and that Neymar needs to continue working on his fitness and showcasing his qualities to be considered for the final World Cup roster.
Young Talent Earns Call-Ups Amidst Experience
The squad announcement also highlighted the inclusion of several emerging talents. Endrick, the highly-rated youngster on loan at Lyon, received his first call-up under Ancelotti, having impressed with six goals in 12 appearances this season. Brentford’s Igor Thiago also earned his maiden call-up, reflecting his strong performances in the current campaign. Other debutants include Rayan of Bournemouth and Flamengo’s Leo Pereira, alongside Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara. These selections signal a blend of experience and new blood as Brazil prepares for its final World Cup qualification window.
World Cup Preparations and Ancelotti’s Future
Brazil is set to face France on March 26 and Croatia three days later in what will be the last opportunities for players to impress Ancelotti before he finalizes the definitive World Cup squad on May 18. The five-time world champions are in Group C of the 2026 World Cup, where they will compete against Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. In a separate development, Ancelotti indicated his intention to extend his tenure as Brazil manager beyond the upcoming tournament, with discussions about a new contract through the 2030 World Cup reportedly underway with the Brazilian Football Confederation. He expressed confidence in reaching an agreement, even quipping that extending the contract before the World Cup would be more economical.
The decision to prioritize physical readiness over past achievements underscores Ancelotti’s pragmatic approach to squad building, aiming to field a team at peak condition for the demanding World Cup tournament.