Overview
- Brazil named a 26-player roster for friendlies against France on March 26 in Boston and Croatia on March 31 in Orlando, with Neymar not included.
- Ancelotti framed selections around players being 100% fit and pointed to injuries affecting Eder Militão, Bruno Guimarães, Estevão and Rodrygo.
- Neymar recently returned from a December meniscus procedure but skipped Santos’ March 10 match with a muscular issue, which the coach cited in his assessment.
- The coach said Neymar could still make the 2026 World Cup if he reaches full fitness, with the final squad due May 18 and a last warm-up on May 31 in Rio de Janeiro.
- Brazilian outlets describe this March list as the final major checkpoint before the World Cup roster, a view that reduces Neymar’s immediate chances.