FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Neymar Left Out From Brazil’s World Cup Qualifiers Squad!

Carlo Ancelotti has left Brazilian legend Neymar Jr. out of the Brazil squad for the second time. Brazil has just announced its latest squad for its remaining World Cup qualification matches. Alongside Neymar Jr, Real Madrid stars Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr have also been left out of the squad.

Why was Neymar Left Out of the Squad

The Brazil coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is a huge admirer of Neymar, just like the supporters in Brazil. He claims that Neymar’s exclusion from the squad is due to fitness issues, urging the Brazilian superstar to improve his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

He’s said to have picked up a minor muscle issue in training with Santos just a week earlier. Ancelotti felt it made no sense to risk Neymar in such a match that is not even crucial for Brazil, having already secured qualification for the World Cup. Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. were also not named among the squad for fitness and rotation, rather than performance.

What’s Next For Neymar?

Neymar has not featured for Brazil since October 2023, when he tore the ACL and meniscus in his left knee. “We do not need to test Neymar. Everyone knows him,” Ancelotti told reporters in Rio de Janeiro. “Like every other player, he has to be fully fit to help the national team perform at the highest level.”

Ancelotti’s comments suggest that Neymar is no longer guaranteed a place in Brazil’s side based on his name and stature. Neymar, just like the rest of the team, will need to fight for his spot on the team.

Ancelotti also requires the ex-Barcelona and PSG star to maintain his fitness. Since his return to his boyhood club Santos, Neymar has already missed several games through injury. His Santos side is also struggling in Brazil’s top-flight league. They sit at 15th and recently suffered an embarrassing 6-0 defeat to Philippe Coutinho’s side, Vasco de Gama

Also read: UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Draw: Full Fixtures, Key Dates and Must Watch Matches

What’s in line for Brazil

The Brazilian National team will feature in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualification, but has already secured a place in next summer’s tournament. They play their final two qualifiers on 4 September at home against Chile and on 9 September away to Bolivia.

West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá earned his first call-up since being cleared by the English FA in July on charges of match-fixing. The attacking midfielder has played five matches in the qualifier already, but none under Ancelotti’s reign.

Full Brazil World Cup Qualifiers Squad

• Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, and Hugo Souza.
• Defenders: Alex Ribeiro, Alex Sandro, Caio Henrique, Douglas Santos, Fabrício Bruno, Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos, Vanderson, and Wesley.
• Midfielders: Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Joelinton, and Lucas Paquetá.
• Forwards: Estêvão, Gabriel Martinelli, João Pedro, Kaio Jorge, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, and Richarlison.

Written by: Thillai Ritvik

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