Neymar Omitted from Brazil Squad as Ancelotti Eyes World Cup Readiness

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has left Neymar out of the squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, signaling a focus on players currently at peak physical condition ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The decision comes as Neymar continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Ancelotti Prioritizes Full Fitness

The friendlies, scheduled for March 26 in Boston and March 31 in Orlando, represent the final opportunity for Ancelotti to assess players before announcing his definitive 26-player roster for the World Cup on May 18 ESPN. Ancelotti emphasized that only players at 100% fitness will be considered for selection, stating, “Neymar is not at 100 percent and therefore he is not on the list.” Goal.com.

Despite the omission, Ancelotti maintains that Neymar still has a chance to make the World Cup squad if he reaches full fitness. “If he can be at 100 percent physically, he can be there. Neymar could be at the World Cup. Neymar has to maintain working, playing, showcasing his qualities and maintaining good physical condition,” he said ESPN.

Neymar’s Reaction and Road to Recovery

Neymar expressed his disappointment at not being selected, stating he was “upset and sad,” but remains focused on regaining his form and earning a spot on the final squad ESPN. He has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee.

Novel Faces in the Brazil Squad

The squad features recalls and debuts. Endrick, who has scored six goals in 12 appearances since joining Lyon, has been named by Ancelotti for the first time since he took over as coach in June FIFA. Igor Thiago and Rayan have similarly earned their first call-ups FIFA.

Other notable inclusions are Barcelona forward Raphinha, Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, Chelsea’s João Pedro, and Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha. Veteran Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is also in the roster.

Ancelotti’s Future with Brazil

Ancelotti also discussed the possibility of extending his contract as Brazil’s manager through the 2030 World Cup, stating that the Brazil federation is preparing a new contract ESPN. He anticipates the extension will be finalized either before or after the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil’s World Cup Campaign

Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13, and will also face Scotland and Haiti in Group C.

Full Brazil Squad:

• Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr), Éderson (Fenerbahce)
• Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibañez (Al-Ahly), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)
• Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
• Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), João Pedro (Chelsea)