Boston, MA – In a move sure to fuel debate among Brazilian football fans, national team manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced his 26-man squad for upcoming friendly matches against France on March 26th in Boston and Croatia on March 31st in Orlando. Notably absent from the roster is Neymar, despite the forward recently returning to competitive action with Santos.
The squad selection comes as Brazil prepares for the 2026 World Cup, and Ancelotti explained that his decision regarding Neymar was based on the player not being at 100% fitness. “I didn’t call him up because he isn’t at 100%,” Ancelotti stated in a press conference, as reported by Le Figaro. “But for the final list, it’s another story.” Neymar last featured for Brazil in October 2023 before a significant knee injury sidelined him for several months. He recently played 90 minutes for Santos against Corinthians on Sunday, but it wasn’t enough to earn him a spot in this month’s squad.
Despite Neymar’s exclusion, Ancelotti has included a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos will feature, alongside Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and FC Barcelona’s Raphinha, forming a potent attacking threat. Lyon loanee Endrick, the 19-year-old prodigy on loan from Real Madrid, has received his first call-up to the senior national team. Chelsea’s João Pedro and newcomers Igor Thiago (Brentford) and Rayan (Bournemouth) also bolster the attacking options.
The midfield will rely on the experience of Casemiro (Manchester United) and Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), providing a solid foundation for the team. The squad also includes Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Danilo (Botafogo), and Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray).
Several players are missing from the squad due to injury or recovery. Estêvão (Chelsea), Eder Militao, Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Caio Henrique, Vanderson (Monaco), and Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) were all unavailable for selection.
This match against France marks the first encounter between the two footballing powerhouses in over a decade. The last time Brazil and France met was on March 26, 2015, in a friendly at the Stade de France, with Brazil emerging victorious with a 3-1 win, thanks to goals from Oscar, Neymar, and Luiz Gustavo after Raphaël Varane had opened the scoring for France.
Brazil Squad for March Friendlies:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahçe)
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit Saint-Petersbourg), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (Paris SG), Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
Forwards: Endrick (Olympique lyonnais), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), João Pedro (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenith Saint-Petersbourg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (FC Barcelone), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
The upcoming matches against France and Croatia represent a crucial opportunity for Ancelotti to assess his squad and fine-tune his tactics ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While Neymar’s absence is a talking point, the squad boasts considerable talent and potential. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team performs and whether they can build momentum as they prepare for the biggest stage in international football.
Brazil’s match against France in Boston on March 26th will be a key indicator of their form and readiness for the challenges ahead. Following that, the clash with Croatia in Orlando on March 31st will provide another valuable test. The results of these friendlies will undoubtedly shape Ancelotti’s thinking as he finalizes his plans for the World Cup.
What are your thoughts on Ancelotti’s squad selection? Share your opinions in the comments below.
