Neymar Not Included in Brazil Squad for FIFA Matchday, Chances of World Cup 2026 are also Small

JAKARTA - Neymar's hopes of playing in the 2026 World Cup have dwindled after the Santos striker was once again left out of the Brazil squad for two friendly matches in the United States.

Brazil's matches against France and Croatia on March 27, 2026 in Boston and April 1, 2026 in Orlando will be the last matches before Carlo Ancelotti announces the final 2026 World Cup roster on May 18.

After the squad announcement, Neymar told the media at an event in Sao Paulo that he was upset and sad not to be selected by Ancelotti for the two friendlies.

"I'm going to speak here because I can't let this go. Obviously I'm upset and sad that I didn't get selected."

"However, the focus remains the same, day by day, training session by training session, match by match. We will achieve our goal."

"There is still one announcement of the final squad (2026 World Cup squad) and the dream is still alive. That's all, we are together in this," said Neymar.

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not played for his country since October 2023, when he suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and meniscus injury in his left knee.

The former Barcelona star reiterated his desire to play for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup after playing 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Corinthians and the next 90 minutes when losing 1-2 to Internacional - a game attended by two of Ancelotti's assistants.

The 34-year-old did not feature prominently after missing the games before the two matches that Ancelotti attended in the stands.

"Neymar is not 100 percent. That's why he's not on the list. Neymar is not 100 percent of his ability. If he can be 100 percent physically, he can be there."

"Neymar can be at the 2026 World Cup. Neymar has to keep working hard, playing, showing his quality, and maintaining good physical condition," Ancelotti said when revealing the reason for returning to Neymar.

As a substitute, Endrick - who has scored six goals in 12 appearances since joining Lyon from Real Madrid in the winter transfer window - has been called up by Ancelotti for the first time since the coach took over in June 2025.

Brentford's Igor Thiago gets his first call-up and is included in Brazil's 26-man squad for FIFA Matchday in March 2026.

Barcelona forward Raphinha and Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior lead the Brazilian attack, with Joao Pedro and Matheus Cunha also among them.

Midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who joined Flamengo from West Ham United in January 2026, was not called up, but Manchester United veteran midfielder Casemiro was on the list.

"We are preparing well for the 2026 World Cup. We want to arrive in the best possible condition technically, physically, and mentally."

"There are players who deserve to be here because they play well in their respective leagues, like Endrick, Rayan, and Danilo," said Ancelotti.

Ancelotti also spoke of extending his tenure as Brazil Manager until the 2030 World Cup. He said the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) would give him a new contract to stay on after this summer.

"If you want to continue, I think there is no problem. Whether before or after the next World Cup, we will inaugurate this extension."

"(Extending) before the World Cup will be cheaper, after that it will be more expensive. I am very sure," said Ancelotti, accompanied by laughter.

Brazil has played one friendly match in the FIFA Matchday March 2026 without Neymar with a loss against France 1-2, Friday, March 27, 2026, early morning WIB.

Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike (32' and 65') gave Les Bleus the lead before Brazil reduced the deficit through Gleison Bremer (78').

Meanwhile, Brazil begins its 2026 World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13, 2026. The five-time world champions will also face Scotland and Haiti in Group C.

The Latest Brazilian Squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahce)

Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahly), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)

Attackers: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Joao Pedro (Chelsea)