Neymar Excluded from Brazil's Squad for FIFA World Cup Warm-up Games

Neymar, the acclaimed Brazilian footballer, has been left out of Brazil’s roster for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up matches.

The Brazilian national team is scheduled to compete against France on March 26 in Boston and Croatia on March 31 in Orlando as they gear up for the tournament to be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as reported by Reuters.

The decision to exclude Neymar arises after he was unable to participate in a recent game for his club, Santos FC, due to muscle fatigue. This match was crucial for Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had intended to scout him personally prior to finalizing the squad.

“Neymar can be part of the World Cup if he is fully fit,” Ancelotti remarked to the media on Monday following the squad announcement, according to Reuters.

“I didn’t select him because he is not at 100%. Neymar needs to be both training and playing.”

In a separate event at the Kings League in Sao Paulo on Monday, Neymar expressed his disappointment over being sidelined. “I am sad about being excluded, but I continue to stay focused, working hard in training and matches. Our objectives remain clear. The dream goes on,” he stated.

Brazil Squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahce).

Defenders: Wesley (AS Roma), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg), Marquinhos (Paris St Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Leo 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), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid).