Brazilian football star Neymar has been excluded from Brazil’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up fixtures.
The team is scheduled to face France on March 26 in Boston and Croatia on March 31 in Orlando as part of preparations for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, according to Reuters.
Neymar’s omission follows concerns over his fitness after the 34-year-old missed a recent match for Santos FC due to muscle fatigue. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti had hoped to evaluate him during that game while scouting ahead of naming the squad.
“Neymar can be at the World Cup if he’s 100%,” Ancelotti said on Monday. “I didn’t call him up because he’s not fully fit. He needs to be training and playing.”
Speaking at a Kings League event in São Paulo, Neymar admitted he was disappointed by the decision but remained determined. “I’m sad about it, but I stay focused—training and playing step by step. We’ll reach our goal. The dream continues.”
Brazil squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahce).
Defenders: Wesley (AS Roma), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Ibáñez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo).
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray).
Forwards: Endrick (Olympique Lyonnais), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St Petersburg), Rayan (Bournemouth), João Pedro (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid).
