Neymar has been left out of the latest Brazil national football team squad ahead of upcoming international friendlies as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the decision on Monday, explaining that Neymar is not yet fully fit to return to international action.
Brazil will face France national football team on March 26 in Boston before playing the Croatia national football team on March 31 in Orlando.
Why Neymar Was Left Out of the Brazil Squad
The 34-year-old forward recently missed a match for Santos FC because of muscle fatigue.
Ancelotti had planned to assess Neymar during a scouting visit but ultimately decided the player was not ready.
“Neymar can go to the World Cup if he is 100 percent fit,” Ancelotti said.
“I didn’t call him up because he is not fully fit. Neymar needs to be training and playing.”
Neymar’s Long Absence From Brazil
Neymar has not played for Brazil since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023.
The forward remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals.
Since returning to Santos last year, he has struggled to maintain consistent playing time due to fitness concerns.
Neymar Reacts to Brazil Squad Omission
Speaking at a Kings League event in São Paulo, Neymar admitted he was disappointed to miss out on the squad but remains determined to return stronger.
“But I remain focused day after day, training session after training session. The dream continues,” he said.
Brazil Looking at New Attacking Options
With Neymar unavailable, Ancelotti has called up young striker Endrick and handed a first international call-up to Igor Thiago.
Brazil will also play Egypt national football team in another friendly in June before starting their World Cup campaign against Morocco national football team.
