Neymar Left Out of Brazil Squad as World Cup Hopes Fade

• Neymar has been omitted from the latest Brazil national football team squad by coach Carlo Ancelotti.
• Brazil will face France national football team and Croatia national football team in friendlies in the United States before the World Cup squad is announced.
• Ancelotti said Neymar is not yet fully fit but could still make the 2026 FIFA World Cup if his condition improves.

Neymar’s hopes of representing Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt another setback after he was left out of the national squad for upcoming friendlies in the United States.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his squad on Monday, confirming that Neymar was not selected for matches against France on March 26 in Boston and Croatia on March 31 in Orlando.

The two fixtures will be Brazil’s final matches before Ancelotti names his World Cup squad on May 18.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since October 2023 after suffering a serious knee injury that included a torn ACL and meniscus.

The former FC Barcelona forward recently returned to action with Santos FC and said he still hopes to compete at the World Cup after playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Sport Club Corinthians Paulista.

However, Ancelotti said the 34-year-old is not yet fully fit.

“Neymar is not at 100 percent and therefore he is not on the list,” Ancelotti said.

“If he can be at 100 percent physically, he can be there. Neymar could be at the World Cup. Neymar has to keep working, playing, showcasing his qualities and maintaining good physical condition.”

Among the players included in the squad is Endrick, who has scored six goals in 12 appearances since joining Olympique Lyonnais from Real Madrid CF during the winter transfer window.

Igor Thiago of Brentford F.C. has also received his first call-up.

Brazil’s attacking options will be led by Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior, with João Pedro and Matheus Cunha also included.

Midfielder Lucas Paquetá has been left out of the squad following his move from West Ham United F.C. to CR Flamengo, while veteran Casemiro of Manchester United F.C.remains part of the group.

“We are preparing well for this World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “We want to arrive in the best possible condition technically, physically and mentally.

“There are players who deserve to be here because they are doing well in their respective leagues.”

Ancelotti also revealed discussions are ongoing about extending his contract as Brazil manager through the 2030 World Cup.

“When a couple wants to carry on I think there’s no problem,” Ancelotti said. “Either before or after the next World Cup we will make this extension official.”

Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign against Morocco national football team on June 13 before facing Scotland national football team and Haiti national football team in Group C.