Neymar Left Out of Brazil Squad: Will He Make the 2026 World Cup? | Endrick Called Up

Boston, MA – The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues for Brazil, but it will do so without Neymar for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced his squad for the March international break, and the veteran forward is not among those selected, raising questions about his place in the Seleção’s plans for North America next summer.

The omission comes despite Neymar having returned to action with Santos, registering two goals and two assists in four recent matches as he continues his recovery from a knee injury. However, that form wasn’t enough to convince Ancelotti to include him in the squad for the matches against France on March 26th in Boston and Croatia on March 31st. The decision aligns with a pattern since Ancelotti took the helm in mid-2025, with Neymar frequently absent from call-ups due to injury or strategic choices.

While Neymar’s absence is the most prominent storyline, the squad does feature a notable inclusion: Olympique Lyonnais forward Endrick. The young Brazilian has found form in Ligue 1, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 12 matches since joining the French club. His inclusion represents a significant step towards securing a spot in Ancelotti’s final World Cup roster.

Alongside Endrick, familiar faces form the core of Ancelotti’s squad. Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos retains his place, as do Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and Arsenal defender Gabriel. The midfield boasts the experience of Casemiro and Fabinho, while Raphinha and Vinicius Jr. Provide attacking flair on the wings.

These friendlies serve as crucial preparation for Brazil ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where they’ve been drawn into a group with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. The matches against France and Croatia will provide a stern test against European opposition and allow Ancelotti to fine-tune his tactics and assess his players’ form.

The situation with Neymar remains a key talking point. While Ancelotti hasn’t entirely ruled out a return for the 34-year-classic, the coach appears to be building a team around younger players and those currently in form. Neymar himself expressed his desire to be called up, stating after a recent match with Santos, “Obviously, my desire is to return to the national team, to play a World Cup, but that doesn’t depend on me. It’s up to the technical staff to choose, and obviously, whether I’m there or not, I will always support the national team.” However, his words haven’t swayed Ancelotti’s decision thus far.

The fact that Ancelotti has reportedly already locked in 18 of his 26 World Cup spots, according to reports from February 28th, further suggests Neymar faces an uphill battle to build the final squad. The Italian coach seems to have a clear vision for his team, and Neymar will need to consistently deliver strong performances for Santos to force his way back into contention.

For fans following the Brazilian national team, the upcoming matches offer a glimpse into Ancelotti’s plans and the direction he intends to grab the Seleção. The absence of Neymar is a significant development, but the emergence of players like Endrick provides a sense of optimism for the future. The games against France, at Fenway Park in Boston, and Croatia will be played at 9:00 PM EST on March 26th and 3:00 PM EST on March 31st respectively.

Brazil’s preparation continues as they aim to contend for their sixth World Cup title. The focus now shifts to these upcoming friendlies and the continued development of the squad under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti. The next confirmed checkpoint for fans will be the announcement of the final 26-man squad for the World Cup in the summer.

What are your thoughts on Ancelotti’s squad selection? Share your opinions in the comments below!