Brazil Leaves Out Neymar for Final Friendlies Before World Cup Squad Announcement

The 34-year-old former captain has struggled with injuries since tearing his ACL in 2023.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:03pm

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Brazil has left out star player Neymar for their upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia in the United States this month. The 34-year-old former captain has been dealing with fitness issues since tearing his ACL in October 2023. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said the squad selection prioritizes players who are "100% fit" as the team prepares to announce its World Cup roster on May 18.

Why it matters

Neymar's exclusion from Brazil's final pre-World Cup friendlies is a significant development, as the team looks to finalize its squad for the tournament. His ongoing injury struggles raise questions about his availability and fitness heading into the World Cup, which could impact Brazil's chances of success.

The details

Brazil will play France in Boston on March 26 and Croatia in Orlando four days later. Ancelotti cited injuries to other key players like Eder Militão, Bruno Guimarães, Estêvão, and Rodrygo as factors in the squad selection. Neymar struggled in a recent league match for his club Santos, further justifying his exclusion from the national team's final tune-up games.

  • Brazil will play France on March 26 in Boston.
  • Brazil will play Croatia on March 30 in Orlando.
  • Brazil's World Cup squad will be announced on May 18.
  • Brazil's final World Cup warmup will be on May 31 against Panama in Rio de Janeiro.

The players

Neymar

A 34-year-old former captain of the Brazilian national team who has struggled with injuries, including a torn ACL in October 2023.

Carlo Ancelotti

The head coach of the Brazilian national team, who is selecting the squad for the upcoming World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“This is a squad that takes into account players who are 100% fit. We had important injuries to players like Eder Militão, Bruno Guimarães, Estêvão, Rodrygo.”

— Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Neymar's exclusion from Brazil's final pre-World Cup friendlies highlights the ongoing concerns about his fitness and availability for the tournament. As the team finalizes its roster, the focus will be on ensuring the squad is in peak condition to compete for the championship.