Vinicius, Rodrygo, And Neymar Not Included In The Brazil National Team Squad, Ancelotti Prefer Paqueta

Neymar again did not receive a call from the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup Qualification (Instagram/@santosfc).

JAKARTA - Brazil's National Team (Timnas) coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has not included Neymar in the squad for the second time since taking over.

Real Madrid strikers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo are also not on the team. Meanwhile, Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United received his first call since his release by the FA (British Football Federation) in July 2025 on charges of match fixing.

Paqueta has played in five Conmebol 2026 World Cup Qualifiers this season, but has not been on the team since Ancelotti took over in May 2025. The coach said he wanted to get to know him better.

Ancelotti said on Monday, August 25, 2025, that Neymar, along with several other players, needed to work hard to get back fully fit ahead of the 2026 World Cup next summer, with Brazil having made sure to qualify.

"Everyone knows Neymar, the Brazilian National Team, and all supporters. Neymar, like other players, needs to maintain physical condition in order to help the team achieve good results and try their best at the 2026 World Cup."

"These two matches are the last match of the 2026 World Cup Qualification. We have to finish this phase well," said Ancelotti as quoted by ESPN.

Brazil will play their last two 2026 World Cup Qualification matches on September 4, 2025 at home to Chile and September 9, 2025 at home to Bolivia.

Santos, the Neymar club, is going through a difficult season in Brazil's highest-level league (Serie A), with it in 15th place -- two points ahead of the relegation zone.

Their struggle, including a 0-6 loss to Vasco de Gama on August 17, 2025, has sparked anger from supporters in recent weeks.

Former Barcelona and PSG striker Neymar continued to struggle with injury after returning to his childhood club, Santos, in January 2025. A thigh injury in April 2025 was the reason he was removed from the Brazil squad in May 2025.

The latest setback occurred last week, when the club announced that Neymar had a muscle injury during training.

Brazil has lost Neymar since October 2023, when he was torn apart by ACL and steamed in his left knee.

Meanwhile, veteran Casemiro is included in the team. Chelsea's young player, Esteveao, who just performed brilliantly for his club last weekend, was also called up.

Brazil Squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, And Hugo Souza

Defenders: Alex Ribeiro, Alex Sandro, Caio Henrique, Douglas Santos, Fabricio Bruno, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos, Vanderson, And Wesley

Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Joelinton, And Lucas Paqueta

Attackers: Estevoo, Gabriel Martinelli, Joao Pedro, Kaio Jorge, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha and Richarlison