Neymar Excluded from Brazil World Cup Warm-Up Squad

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti excluded Neymar from the latest squad, preparing for friendlies against France and Croatia ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Neymar's absence is due to muscle fatigue, though he remains a potential contender for the tournament if fully recovered. Ancelotti called up young talents like Endrick and Igor Thiago, aiming to refresh Brazil’s attacking options. The squad includes veteran goalkeepers Alisson and Ederson, alongside experienced defenders like Marquinhos and Danilo, and several midfielders and forwards, including Endrick, Igor Thiago, and Raphinha.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahce)

Defenders: Wesley (AS Roma), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg), Marquinhos (Paris St Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Leo Pereira (Flamengo)

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)

Forwards: Endrick (Olympique Lyonnais), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St Petersburg), Rayan (Bournemouth), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)