Neymar Omitted From Brazil Squad Sparks Hope For World Cup Return

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Neymar is upset after missing Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad, yet the 34-year-old still believes a World Cup return this summer is possible. The national team’s record goalscorer had been in a provisional list before being dropped from the final group.

Ancelotti confirmed the final squad for friendlies against France and Croatia, scheduled in the United States on 26 and 31 March. Neymar stayed on the outside, despite early inclusion, which increases uncertainty around involvement at the upcoming World Cup.

Neymar described mixed emotions after learning the final decision, stressing that the situation is difficult to ignore. "You cannot simply brush that aside," Neymar said, as quoted by Brazilian media outlets. "Of course, I am angry and sad that I was not called up. But the focus remains day by day, every training session, match by match. We will achieve our goal. There is still one final call-up to come, and the dream lives on."

During the press conference that followed the squad release, Ancelotti addressed Neymar’s situation directly. "Neymar can go to the World Cupif he is 100% fit." Ancelotti stated that the forward was not chosen for these March matches because fitness levels are still short.

Neymar last represented Brazil in 2023, when a serious knee injury against Uruguay halted international action. The continued absence from squads keeps the focus on recovery progress, while one remaining call-up window leaves Brazil and Neymar waiting on medical clearance and final selection.