Brazil Squad for March 2026: Is Neymar in the Squad? Ancelotti Calls Up Premier League Stars

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As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has signalled a new era for the Selecao with a bold 26-man squad for the upcoming high-profile friendlies against France and Croatia. The headline news from the announcement is the continued absence of all-time record goalscorer Neymar Jr.

Is Neymar Not Playing?

The Neymar saga has sparked significant debate across Brazil. Despite the superstar returning to action with Santos, Carlo Ancelotti was firm in his decision, stating that the squad must consist of players who are "100% fit" for these high-intensity warm-ups. So, Neymar was not included in the Squad for the friendlies.

Neymar recently suffered a setback with muscle fatigue after a match for Santos, which followed a long and gruelling recovery from a serious ACL and meniscus injury sustained in late 2023.

Ancelotti explained that because Neymar is not yet at his peak physical capability, he will remain in Brazil to continue his conditioning. Neymar admitted to being "upset and sad" about the snub but remains determined to prove his fitness before the final World Cup roster is named in May.

The Full Brazil Squad (March 2026)

• Goalkeepers: Ederson (Fenerbahce), Bento (Al Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)*
• Defenders: Marquinhos (PSG), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Ibañez (Al-Ahly), Wesley (Roma)
• Midfielders: Casemiro (Man Utd), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Danilo (Botafogo), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
• Forwards: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Man Utd), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Rayan (Bournemouth), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenit)

*Hugo Souza was called up as a late replacement for the injured Alisson (Liverpool).

Fixtures And Latest Results

Brazil will travel to the United States for these crucial matches, facing European heavyweights in a bid to refine their tactical setup.

Upcoming Fixtures:

• March 26, 2026: France vs. Brazil (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough)
• March 31, 2026: Brazil vs. Croatia (Camping World Stadium, Orlando)

Latest Results:

• Brazil 1-1 Tunisia (Nov 2025)
• Brazil 2-0 Senegal (Nov 2025)
• Japan 3-2 Brazil (Oct 2025)
• South Korea 0-5 Brazil (Oct 2025)