Last Chance for 2026 World Cup Slipping Away

Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti announced a 26-man squad for March friendlies on the 16th (local time), excluding Neymar from the roster. Brazil will face France and Croatia in friendlies on the 26th and 31st in the United States.

This exclusion has virtually eliminated the 34-year-old Neymar's chances of participating in the 2026 World Cup. These friendlies represent Ancelotti's last testing ground before finalizing the World Cup squad this spring.

Ancelotti Demands '100% Fitness'

Coach Ancelotti clarified his selection criteria at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro. "The squad was heavily influenced by injury situations," he explained, "and I've composed it with players who are in 100% physical condition."

Neymar has not played for the national team since October 2023 against Uruguay due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Although he recently returned to Santos, his childhood club, he missed the March 10th match against Mirassol citing muscle pain and fatigue, raising concerns about his fitness. Ancelotti and his coaching staff attended the stadium that day but were unable to assess Neymar's play.

Balancing New Talent with Experienced Core

In Neymar's place, fresh faces have been included in the squad. Bournemouth winger Evanilson and Brentford striker Igor Thiago received their first call-ups. Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara, Flamengo's Léo Pereira, and Botafogo's Danilo will also have opportunities to make their senior international debuts.

At the same time, veterans like Alisson, Casemiro, and Marquinhos were selected as key players. The composition aims to fill the void left by injuries to important players such as Bruno Guimarães and Rodrygo.

The End of Neymar's International Career

The 2026 World Cup was viewed as Neymar's last opportunity on the international stage. After the heartbreak of a home semifinal loss in 2014, quarterfinal exits in 2018, and again in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the trophy remains an unfinished mission for him.

However, his age of 34 and recurring injuries raise questions about whether he can handle the intensity of tournament football. Coach Ancelotti effectively expressed his concerns about Neymar's condition, stating, "We need players who are completely healthy."

Debate continues among Brazilian football fans regarding Neymar's potential return to the national team. While some held hope when news emerged that he was included in a 'preliminary list,' those hopes have been dashed with the final squad announcement.