Neymar Could Return To Brazil World Cup Squad, Ancelotti Says

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Carlo Ancelotti has left Neymar out of Brazil’s March friendlies, yet the forward still has a route to the World Cup squad. The head coach stressed Neymar’s fitness must fully recover before selection, as Brazil finalise preparations for a campaign starting against Morocco on 13 June.

Neymar, Brazil’s record scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, has not featured for the national team since an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2023. The 34-year-old recently admitted living "year to year" and considered retirement, but still wants another World Cup. Neymar completed Santos’ 1-1 draw with Corinthians on Sunday, watched by two Ancelotti assistants, yet struggled to influence the match.

Ancelotti explained that Neymar’s omission is based purely on current condition rather than reputation or seniority. "Neymar is not at 100 percent, and therefore he is not on the list, Ancelotti said on Monday. Neymar is not at 100 percent of his capability. If he can be at 100 percent physically, he can be there. Neymar could be at the World Cup. Neymar has to keep working, playing, showcasing his qualities and maintaining good physical condition."

Brazil have two remaining friendlies before Ancelotti fixes the World Cup group for good. The team face France on 26 March and then Croatia three days later, both in the United States. Those matches are the final auditions before Ancelotti confirms the tournament squad on 18 May.

The five-time world champions open their World Cup schedule against Morocco on 13 June. Brazil are drawn in Group C with three opponents: Morocco, Scotland and Haiti. These fixtures will test Ancelotti’s selections, including any late fitness push from Neymar, in a demanding group schedule.

Ancelotti’s squad features several changes in attack and midfield, starting with Endrick. The forward receives a call for the first time since Ancelotti replaced Dorival Junior. Endrick has impressed on loan at Lyon, scoring six goals in 12 matches across competitions, with only Corentin Tolisso and Pavel Sulc having more for the club in 2025-26.

There are also fresh faces across Europe and Brazil in the latest Brazil World Cup squad picture. Brentford striker Igor Thiago earns a first Brazil call after strong form under Keith Andrews. Bournemouth’s Rayan is another newcomer, joined by Flamengo defender Leo Pereira and Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara, completing the debutant group in Ancelotti’s 26-player list. Estevao misses out while returning from injury.

Ancelotti’s full Brazil World Cup squad for the March games includes three goalkeepers, ten defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards. The players represent clubs from the Premier League, Saudi Pro League, Ligue 1, Serie A, La Liga, the Turkish league and Brazil’s domestic competition.

Neymar’s situation now depends on progress with Santos and medical recovery before May. Ancelotti has underlined that performance and fitness will decide any late inclusion. With several forwards competing for places, Brazil’s staff will track Neymar closely through club matches and training in the build-up to squad confirmation.