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Neymar Omitted from Brazil's World Cup Warm-Up Squad Due to Fitness

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has left superstar Neymar out of the squad for upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up matches against France and Croatia. Ancelotti stated the decision was because Neymar is not at 100% fitness, following the player's recent absence for Santos FC due to muscle fatigue. Neymar, speaking at an event, expressed disappointment but said he remains focused on training and matches to achieve the team's goal. The squad announcement includes goalkeepers Alisson and Ederson, defenders Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes, and forwards Vinicius Jr and Raphinha.

Key Points: Neymar Left Out of Brazil Squad for World Cup Warm-Ups

  • Neymar omitted from Brazil squad
  • Ancelotti cites lack of 100% fitness
  • Forward missed recent club match
  • Neymar expresses disappointment
  • Squad named for matches vs France & Croatia
2 min read

Neymar left out of Brazil's FIFA World Cup warm-up squad

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti excludes Neymar from FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up matches, citing the star forward is not at 100% fitness.

"Neymar can be at the World Cup if he's 100%. - Carlo Ancelotti"

Rio de Janeiro, March 17

Brazilian football superstar Neymar has been left out of Brazil's squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up matches on Monday.

Brazil is set to play 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 to leave out Neymar comes after the 34-year-old missed a recent clash for Santos FC due to muscle fatigue, a match which Ancelotti had planned to assess him in person during a scouting trip ahead of the squad announcement.

"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."

Neymar, at a Kings League event in Sao Paulo on Monday, said that he was disappointed and 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), and 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), and 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).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Feel so bad for him, you can hear the sadness in his statement. But at 34, his body needs more care. Hope he gets fully fit in time! The squad looks strong even without him for now.
A
Arjun K
As a football fan, I understand the logic. But part of me worries this might affect team chemistry. Neymar's experience is priceless. Hope this decision doesn't backfire.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Endrick and the younger players getting a chance. Maybe it's time to build for the future? Neymar will always be a legend, but football moves on.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think the coach is making a mistake. Big players like Neymar need match practice with the team to gel. Muscle fatigue is common, he could have been managed. This feels overly cautious.
K
Kavya N
His dedication is clear - "training session after training session". Wishing him a speedy recovery! Brazil needs its samba magic on the field in 2026. 🤞

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