Ancelotti's Bold Call: Neymar Left Out of Brazil Squad for Final World Cup Warm-Ups
Carlo Ancelotti omits Neymar from Brazil's March squad for friendlies against France and Croatia, signaling a potential shift away from the veteran star with less than 100 days until World Cup 2026.
In a decision that has sent shockwaves through Brazilian football, Carlo Ancelotti has left Neymar out of the national team squad for this month's crucial World Cup warm-up friendlies against France and Croatia. With less than 100 days until the tournament kicks off in North America, the omission raises serious questions about whether the 34-year-old superstar will feature in Brazil's World Cup plans.
The five-time world champions will play France on March 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, followed by Croatia on March 31 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida — the final international fixtures before Ancelotti names his official World Cup roster on May 18.
## New Blood Over Experience
While Neymar's absence dominated headlines, Ancelotti's 26-man squad announcement on Monday revealed a clear shift toward youth and fresh talent. Endrick, the 19-year-old Real Madrid sensation, returns to the fold after missing the February window. Three players received their first senior call-ups: Rayan (Vasco da Gama), Leo Pereira (Al-Hilal), and Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray).
Most notably, Igor Thiago — the 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker who has been in electric form in the Bundesliga — earned his maiden Brazil cap. Igor's 18 goals in 24 league appearances this season have made him one of Europe's most lethal finishers, and Ancelotti appears ready to trust him at the highest level.
"We are entering a critical phase of preparation," Ancelotti said in a statement released by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). "These matches will help us finalize tactical approaches and evaluate players in high-pressure environments against world-class opposition."
## What About Neymar?
Neymar, who currently plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has struggled with fitness throughout the 2025-26 season. Despite flashes of brilliance, he has managed just 14 league appearances due to recurring hamstring issues. More concerning for Ancelotti: Neymar has not played a competitive international match since Brazil's Copa America semifinal exit in July 2024.
Sources close to the national team setup, speaking to Reuters and ESPN, suggested that Ancelotti wants to see how the team functions without relying on Neymar's creativity. The Italian coach, who took over from Ramon Menezes in January 2026, has openly stated his desire to build a tactically disciplined side that doesn't depend on individual brilliance.
"Carlo wants balance," one anonymous CBF official told The Athletic. "He respects Neymar's legacy, but he also knows that tournament football demands a collective effort. The question isn't whether Neymar is talented — it's whether we can afford to build around a player who hasn't been consistently available."
## Squad Highlights
Beyond the Neymar storyline, Ancelotti's squad features a blend of established stars and emerging talents:
Goalkeepers: - Alisson (Liverpool) - Ederson (Manchester City) - João Marcos (Flamengo)
Defenders: - Danilo (Juventus, captain) - Bremer (Juventus) - Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain) - Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal) - Vanderson (Monaco) - Yan Couto (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders: - Casemiro (Manchester United) - Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa) - Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United) - Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray) — *first call-up* - Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United) - Rayan (Vasco da Gama) — *first call-up*
Forwards: - Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid) - Rodrygo (Real Madrid) - Raphinha (Barcelona) - Endrick (Real Madrid) - Igor Thiago (Bayer Leverkusen) — *first call-up* - Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur) - Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) - Leo Pereira (Al-Hilal) — *first call-up*
## High-Stakes Friendlies
Both opponents present significant challenges. France, the 2018 World Cup winners and 2022 runners-up, boast one of the deepest squads in international football. Brazil's clash with Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Antoine Griezmann in Foxborough will serve as a litmus test for Ancelotti's tactical setup.
Croatia, meanwhile, remain formidable despite an aging core. Luka Modrić (40) continues to defy time, while Joško Gvardiol and Dominik Livaković anchor one of Europe's stingiest defenses. The Balkan nation reached the 2022 World Cup semifinals and won bronze at the 2018 tournament — they are no soft touch.
World Soccer Talk noted that these matches represent Brazil's last chance to fine-tune before the World Cup roster deadline. With injuries, form slumps, and tactical experiments all in play, every minute on the pitch carries immense weight.
## The Endrick Factor
Perhaps the most intriguing subplot involves Endrick's return. The teenage forward has been sensational for Real Madrid since his summer transfer from Palmeiras, notching 12 goals and 7 assists across all competitions. His pace, finishing, and maturity beyond his years have drawn comparisons to a young Ronaldo Nazário.
Ancelotti is known to favor experienced players in major tournaments, but Endrick's club form may force his hand. If the youngster shines against France and Croatia, leaving him out of the final 26-man roster could prove impossible.
## What's Next?
Brazil will convene in Boston on March 24 before facing France two days later. The squad then travels to Orlando for the Croatia friendly. After that, Ancelotti has just six weeks to finalize his World Cup roster.
For Neymar, the clock is ticking. If he doesn't feature in May's squad announcement, his dream of World Cup glory — the one trophy that has eluded him throughout his career — may slip away forever.
For Brazil, the message is clear: this is a new era. Ancelotti is building a team, not a showcase for individual stars. Whether that approach delivers a sixth World Cup title remains to be seen. But for now, the focus is on the players who are fit, in form, and ready to represent the Seleção on the biggest stage.
Sources: - Yahoo Sports: "Brazil squad for March 2026: Carlo Ancelotti names roster for France, Croatia friendly games in USA" - The Athletic: "Neymar misses out on Brazil squad, Igor Thiago receives first call-up" - Reuters: "Neymar left out of Brazil squad for World Cup warm-ups" - ESPN: "Neymar left out of Brazil squad for March, Endrick makes cut" - World Soccer Talk: "Neymar left out of Brazil squad for March games by Carlo Ancelotti with 2026 World Cup approaching"