Neymar has been omitted from Brazil national football team’s squad for their upcoming warm-up fixtures ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Brazil are scheduled to face France national football team on March 26 in Boston and Croatia national football team on March 31 in Orlando as part of their preparations for the tournament set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The decision to exclude Neymar follows concerns over his fitness after the 34-year-old missed a recent match for Santos FC due to muscle fatigue. The game was one Carlo Ancelotti had intended to observe during a scouting visit before finalising his squad.
Speaking after unveiling the squad, Ancelotti said: “Neymar can be at the World Cup if he’s 100%,”
“I didn’t call him up because he’s not 100%. Neymar has to be training and playing.”
Neymar, who attended a Kings League event in São Paulo on Monday, admitted he felt disappointed about the decision but remains determined.
He said: “But I remain focused, day after day, training session after training session, match after match. We will achieve our goal. The dream continues.”
The squad announced includes goalkeepers such as Alisson, Bento, and Ederson; defenders including Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Bremer; midfielders like Casemiro and Fabinho; and attacking options such as Vinícius Jr, Raphinha, and Gabriel Martinelli.