Ancelotti names Brazil Squad without Neymar for France and Croatia friendlies
Carlo Ancelotti has announced the latest squad for Brazil national football team ahead of international friendlies against France national football team and Croatia national football team, with Neymar once again left out.
The Italian manager selected nine forwards for the squad but omitted Neymar due to concerns about the forward’s physical condition.
Brazil will face France on March 26 in Boston before taking on Croatia on March 31 in Orlando during the upcoming FIFA international window.
Ancelotti explains Neymar omission
Speaking at a press conference, Ancelotti made it clear that Neymar’s absence was based on fitness rather than ability. “It’s a physical assessment, not a technical one. Neymar is very good with the ball, but he needs to improve physically,” Ancelotti said.
The Brazilian star, who wore the national team’s number 10 shirt at the last three World Cups, is working to regain full fitness. According to Ancelotti, Neymar must reach 100 percent physical condition before returning to the national team setup.
Injuries influence Brazil selection
The coach also revealed that injuries played a major role in shaping the squad.
Several key players were unavailable, including Éder Militão, Bruno Guimarães, Estevão Willian and Rodrygo. Ancelotti explained that with two demanding fixtures and travel involved, he opted to select players who were fully fit and ready to compete immediately.
New faces earn Brazil call-up
The squad also includes several newcomers as Ancelotti looks to assess new options. Players receiving call-ups include:
- Léo Pereira
- Gabriel Sara
- Igor Thiago
- Rayan Vitor
Ancelotti said the staff wants to observe how new players adapt to the national team environment and the demands of international football.
Brazil Preparing for 2026 World Cup
The upcoming friendlies will be part of Brazil’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Seleção will also play additional warm-up matches before the tournament, including games against Panama and Egypt.
Brazil have been drawn in Group C alongside:
- Morocco national football team
- Haiti national football team
- Scotland national football team
Their group matches will take place in New Jersey, Philadelphia and Miami.
- Read also: 2026 World Cup Draw Reveals All 12 Groups
Brazil Squad for March Friendlies
Goalkeepers
- Alisson Becker
- Bento
- Ederson
Defenders
- Alex Sandro
- Bremer
- Danilo
- Douglas Santos
- Gabriel Magalhães
- Ibañez
- Léo Pereira
- Marquinhos
- Wesley
Midfielders
- Andrey Santos
- Casemiro
- Danilo (Botafogo)
- Fabinho
- Gabriel Sara
Forwards
- Endrick
- Gabriel Martinelli
- Igor Thiago
- João Pedro
- Luiz Henrique
- Matheus Cunha
- Raphinha
- Rayan
- Vinícius Júnior
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