Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has explained his decision to leave out Neymar in his Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, MySportDab reports.
The former Real Madrid manager named a strong 26-man squad for the friendly featuring key names such as Manchester United duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, Arsenal duo Gabriel Megalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli, Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr and Endrick, Barcelona forward Raphinha, including Chelsea sensation Joao Pedro.
Neymar is top of the list of most prominent players in the squad that has been left out, marking the first time the former Barcelona sensation will miss action with the national team despite not nursing any injury.
Neymar’s exclusion from the list has already sparked the conversation on whether that is the end of his international career and possible omission from the World Cup squad.
However, Carlo Ancelotti has quickly debunked prospects of leaving the player out of the 2026 World Cup despite dropping him from the squad for the friendlies.
According to him, Neymar can still make his 2026 World Cup squad, but only on a condition that he is 100% fit and playing at elite level.
“Neymar can go to the World Cup if he’s 100% fit. I didn’t call Neymar now because he’s not 100%, we need players who are at their best”.
“Neymar has to keep working, playing, showing his qualities and a good physical condition.”
Neymar is just one of the few names omitted from the squad. Another elite-level player missing from the list is Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, including Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus.
Brazil play France on March 26 before taking on Croatia on April 1 – their preparatory friendliness before the 2026 World Cup.
The squad for this friendlies serve as a mock up list of names expected for the World Cup, but some changes are still expected with eyes on the likes of Neymar and Rodrygo.