Brazil Announces Squad for September World Cup Qualifiers Amidst Neymar Injury and Paquetá’s Acquittal
Table of Contents
Brazil has announced its squad for upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Bolivia, with several notable absences including Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo. This comes as Neymar recovers from a muscular injury sustained during training with Santos,and following the recent acquittal of Lucas Paquetá from betting charges. brazil has already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, but continues to compete in the South American qualifying stage.
Squad details & Recent Developments
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) https://www.cbf.com.br/en/news/2024/08/22/ancelotti-announces-brazil-squad-for-september-world-cup-qualifiers announced the following squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Athletico Paranaense), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Defenders: Alexsandro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Vanderson (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (chelsea), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas paquetá (West Ham)
Forwards: Stephen (Chelsea), João Pedro (chelsea), gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham)
NeymarS Injury and Ancelotti’s Response
Neymar suffered a muscular injury during training with Santos on Thursday, August 22nd, ruling him out of the September qualifiers. https://www.espn.com/soccer/brazil/story/4931949/neymar-suffers-muscle-injury-in-training-with-santos When questioned about Neymar’s absence, Brazil’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, stated, “We do not need to try it,” indicating a confidence in the squad’s depth despite the star player’s unavailability. neymar recently rejoined Santos on loan from Al-Hilal to regain match fitness.
paquetá’s Acquittal
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá was recently acquitted of charges related to betting irregularities by the English Football Association (FA). https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/west-ham-midfielder-paqueta-cleared-of-betting-charges-2024-08-16/ The FA had initially charged Paquetá with breaching its betting rules, but the self-reliant commission found the allegations unproven. He scored a goal for West Ham in their 5-1 defeat to chelsea on August 18th.
Upcoming Matches & Qualification Status
Brazil, currently third in the South American World Cup qualifying standings, will face Chile at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on September 4th. Chile has already been eliminated from world Cup contention. Five days later, on September 9th, Brazil will travel to play Bolivia, who are still vying for a playoff spot.
Despite already qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, these matches are crucial for maintaining momentum and solidifying Brazil’s position in the South American rankings.
Key Takeaways:
Brazil has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar is out injured,and will miss the September qualifiers.
Lucas Paquetá has been cleared of betting charges by the FA.
Brazil will play Chile and Bolivia in September.