Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has officially omitted Neymar from the national team squad for the upcoming March international friendlies against France and Croatia.
The decision comes as the five-time world champions ramp up their final preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The 34-year-old forward, who recently made a return to his boyhood club Santos from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, has been struggling with muscle fatigue.
This latest setback prevented Ancelotti from assessing him in person during a planned scouting trip to watch Santos play Mirassol.
Addressing the media at the CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Ancelotti was clear that the door to the World Cup remains open, provided the veteran forward can prove his match readiness.
“Neymar can be at the World Cup if he’s 100%,” Ancelotti explained. “I didn’t call him up because he’s not 100%. We need players who are at 100% right now. Neymar has to keep working and playing, showing his qualities in good physical condition.”
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals, has not featured for the Selecao since suffering a severe knee injury in October 2023.
While Neymar misses out, Ancelotti has heavily rotated his attacking options. 19 year-old Endrick has earned a recall following an impressive string of performances on loan at Lyon.
Additionally, Brentford’s in-form striker Igor Thiago has been handed his maiden call-up after netting 18 Premier League goals this season.
Meanwhile, Ancelloti’s squad suffered huge blow after Real Madrid winger Rodrygo was completely ruled out of the upcoming World Cup after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus.
Brazil will face France on March 26 in Boston before taking on Croatia on 31 March.
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