Neymar Excluded from Brazil Squad for Upcoming Friendlies

By Vikram Nair / 17.03.2026

Neymar told media at an event in Sao Paulo he was ‘upset and sad’ for not being picked by Carlo Ancelotti for the two friendlies against France and Croatia. This statement comes as a significant moment for the player, who has been sidelined from the national team since October 2023 due to a knee injury.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has struggled to maintain a consistent run of matches since returning to Santos FC last year. His recent performances have been hampered by injuries, including missing a recent match due to muscle fatigue. Ancelotti stated, “Neymar is not at 100 percent and therefore he is not on the list,” highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding his physical condition.

As Brazil prepares for their upcoming matches on March 26 and March 31, the absence of Neymar raises questions about the team’s strategy and depth. Ancelotti has called up Endrick for the first time, indicating a shift in focus towards younger talent as Brazil gears up for their World Cup campaign, which begins against Morocco on June 13.

Despite his disappointment, Neymar remains hopeful about his future with the national team. He acknowledged that he has to keep working and playing to be considered for the World Cup. Ancelotti mentioned that “Neymar can be at the World Cup if he’s 100%,” suggesting that there is still a pathway for the star player to return if he can regain his fitness.

Brazil’s squad for the friendlies consists of 26 players, reflecting Ancelotti’s strategy to evaluate different options ahead of the World Cup. The inclusion of players like Endrick, who has scored 6 goals in 12 appearances since joining Lyon, demonstrates a commitment to integrating fresh talent into the squad.

As the team prepares for these crucial matches, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of arriving at the World Cup in the best possible condition, stating, “We are preparing well for this World Cup. We want to arrive in the best possible condition technically, physically and mentally.” This focus on preparation underscores the challenges Brazil faces as they aim to reclaim their status as a dominant force in international football.

With the World Cup approaching, Neymar’s situation will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. His performance in the coming weeks will be critical, as the final roster for the tournament is set to be announced on June 18. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his potential return, but the hope remains that Neymar can overcome his current challenges and contribute to Brazil’s World Cup ambitions.