Brazil star Neymar has been left out of the national team squad announced by coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday, March 16, 2026, for two upcoming friendlies as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil is set to face France on March 26 in Boston, followed by a match against Croatia on March 31 in Orlando.

The 34-year-old forward was omitted after missing Santos’ latest match due to muscle fatigue, preventing Ancelotti from assessing him firsthand before naming the squad.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023 and has struggled for consistency since returning to Santos last year.