Neymar’s exclusion from Brazil’s March friendlies by coach Carlo Ancelotti signals the likely end of the 34-year-old’s World Cup dream, as Brazil pivots toward a new generation despite his status as the nation’s all-time leading scorer.
Neymar‘s World Cup prospects dwindled Monday when Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his omission from the squad for crucial friendlies against France and Croatia, the final matches before the tournament roster deadline. “Neymar is not at 100% and therefore he is not on the list,” Ancelotti stated directly, adding, “If he can be at 100% physically, he can be there. Neymar has to keep working, playing, showcasing his qualities and maintaining good physical condition.” Field Level Media
At 34, Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, but he has not played internationally since sustaining a major knee injury in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifying loss to Uruguay. His club career has seen him return to Santos after decorated spells at Barcelona and PSG, followed by a brief stint at Al Hilal. However, his fitness has been a persistent question mark, and Ancelotti’s decision prioritizes current form over reputation.
Brazil’s path in the 2026 World Cup is set: the Selecao are drawn into Group C with Haiti, Morocco, and Scotland, opening the tournament on June 13 against Morocco in East Rutherford, New Jersey—the same venue hosting the July 19 final. Despite a comfortable qualifying campaign and a world ranking of No. 5, Brazil has underperformed in recent tournaments, exiting in the quarterfinals at four of the past five World Cups, including a group-stage elimination in 2018. Field Level Media
The 26-man squad for the U.S. friendlies signals Ancelotti’s intent to build a younger core. First call-ups go to Endrick, the teenage forward from Real Madrid, and Igor Thiago of Brentford, both emblematic of the new direction. “We are preparing well for this World Cup. We want to arrive in the best possible condition technically, physically and mentally,” Ancelotti said. “There are players who deserve to be here because they are doing well in their respective leagues.” Field Level Media
Neymar’s absence is a seismic shift for Brazil. His creativity and goal-scoring prowess have defined the national team for over a decade, and his injury during the catastrophic 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany in 2014 was a turning point. Now, with the roster submission deadline looming in June, his hopes hinge on an unprecedented physical resurgence—a scenario that grows increasingly unlikely as Ancelotti invests in a new generation hungry to end Brazil’s two-decade World Cup drought.
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