Carlo Ancelotti has not called up Neymar for Brazil's friendlies against France and Croatia in the United States. The coach said he did not call up Neymar because Neymar is not 100% fit. Ancelotti added that for the final World Cup squad, Neymar's inclusion is 'another story' and could be possible if he reaches 100% fitness. This decision comes as the debate around Neymar and his return to the Brazil national football team has intensified in recent weeks, with fans continuing to publicly demand his inclusion ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar expressed sadness and disappointment at being left out of Brazil's national team camp for the friendlies. The forward's recent match performances have created confusion about his current fitness level. Multiple reports indicate Neymar played 90 minutes as recently as last Sunday and played last week, scoring both goals in a 2-1 win against Vasco da Gama. However, other sources note Neymar didn't play well on Sunday in Santos' 1-1 draw with Corinthians in the Brazilian league, raising questions about his match readiness. These contrasting performances highlight the uncertainty surrounding his physical condition and ability to contribute at the highest international level.
I haven't called (Neymar) up, because he's not 100 percent. But for the final (World Cup) squad, that's another story.
Brazil's squad announcements for the friendlies include several notable changes. Igor Thiago and Rayan received first call-ups to the Brazil squad for the friendlies. Endrick has been recalled to the Brazil squad after making his last international appearance a year ago. According to multiple media reports, Joao Pedro was mistakenly omitted from the Brazil squad announcement by Carlo Ancelotti but was later confirmed as selected. These selections reflect Ancelotti's focus on integrating new talent and rewarding players who have been part of the current cycle.
Rodrygo is not with the squad due to injury and will miss the World Cup. His absence creates a significant gap in Brazil's attacking options as World Cup preparations intensify. The loss of Rodrygo's creativity and goal-scoring ability adds pressure on other forwards to step up during the friendlies and in the tournament itself.
I am upset and sad at not being named in Brazil's squad for the two friendlies.
Brazil faces France on 26 March in Boston and Croatia on 31 March in Orlando as their last matches before Ancelotti names his World Cup selection. These friendlies represent crucial preparation opportunities for players hoping to secure spots in the final tournament squad. Performance in these high-profile matches against European opponents will heavily influence Ancelotti's decisions. Coaches and analysts will closely monitor individual performances, team chemistry, and tactical execution to assess readiness for the World Cup.
Brazil starts its World Cup campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on 13 June, with games against Haiti and Scotland in Group C. The tournament schedule places Brazil in a competitive group that will test the squad's depth and tactical flexibility. Success in these early matches will be critical for building momentum and securing advancement to the knockout stages.
But my focus remains, day after day, training and training, match after match. We will reach our goal, there's still the final squad.
Brazil's president Lula said that if Neymar is physically fit and wants it, he should be called up, but he has to earn it on the pitch. The president's comments add a political dimension to the ongoing debate about Neymar's exclusion, reflecting broader public sentiment and expectations surrounding the national team.
Carlo Ancelotti is closing in on a new contract extension with the Brazilian Football Confederation through the 2030 World Cup. The coach noted that when a couple wants to carry on, there's no problem, suggesting either before or after the next World Cup, they will make this extension official. This potential long-term commitment underscores the federation's confidence in Ancelotti's leadership and vision for the team.
If Neymar is physically fit and wants it, he should be called up, but he has to earn it on the pitch.
Ancelotti has maintained a firm stance, emphasizing that only players who are fully fit and have been part of the current cycle will be prioritized. This philosophy underpins his decision-making process for squad selection, reinforcing his commitment to building a cohesive and prepared team for major tournaments.
The specific fitness metrics or medical assessments Ancelotti is using to determine that Neymar is not 100% fit remain unclear. Without detailed information on these criteria, it is difficult to gauge the exact benchmarks Neymar must meet to regain consideration.
Neymar is not 100% fit, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti via UOL.
Whether Neymar will be included in Brazil's final World Cup squad if he regains full fitness before the tournament depends on his performance and condition in the coming months. His ability to demonstrate consistency and impact in club matches will be key factors in Ancelotti's evaluation.
The exact timeline and terms of Carlo Ancelotti's contract extension with the Brazilian Football Confederation are still being negotiated. Final details regarding duration, financial aspects, and performance clauses have yet to be disclosed publicly.
Neymar could go to the World Cup if he reaches 100% fitness before it, according to Ancelotti via UOL.
The severity of Rodrygo's injury and the expected recovery timeline have not been detailed beyond the confirmation that it will prevent his World Cup participation. Further medical updates are awaited to understand the full extent of his absence and potential return timeline.
How the performances in the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia will influence Ancelotti's final World Cup squad selection represents a key unknown. These matches serve as a critical testing ground, but the weight given to individual displays versus overall team dynamics remains to be seen.
Rodrygo suffered a serious injury that prevents him from playing in the World Cup, according to Ancelotti.
The Brazilian Football Confederation is set to extend his contract through the 2030 World Cup.
When a couple wants to carry on, I think there's no problem. Either before or after the next World Cup, we will make this extension official.
(Extending) before the World Cup will be cheaper, afterwards it will be more expensive.