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Brazilian football superstar Neymar has been omitted from Brazil’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up matches.
The Selecao is set to face France on March 26 in Boston and Croatia on March 31 in Orlando, ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, according to Reuters.
The decision comes after the 34-year-old missed a recent match for Santos FC due to muscle fatigue—a game that coach Carlo Ancelotti had planned to observe in person during a scouting trip before finalizing the squad.
“Neymar can be at the World Cup if he’s 100%,” Ancelotti told reporters on Monday after announcing his squad, as quoted by Reuters. “I didn’t call him up because he’s not 100%. Neymar has to be training and playing.”
Speaking at a Kings League event in São Paulo on Monday, Neymar expressed disappointment but remained focused. “I am sad about being left out, but I remain focused, day after day, training session after training session, match after match. We will achieve 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 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)
