Carlo Ancelotti announced Brazil's 26-man squad for March friendlies against France and Croatia, calling up eight uncapped players amid injuries to key stars. Neymar was omitted due to incomplete fitness but remains a potential 2026 World Cup pick. The matches offer final testing before the May 18 roster reveal.
The squad announcement took place at CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro on March 16, 2026. The friendlies are France on March 26 (5pm Brasília time, Orlando) and Croatia on March 31 (9pm Brasília time, Boston), serving as key preparation for the 2026 World Cup, where Brazil is grouped with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.
Newcomers include defenders Bremer (Juventus), Ibañez (Al-Ahly), and Léo Pereira (Flamengo); midfielders Danilo (Botafogo) and Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray); and forwards Endrick (Lyon), Rayan (Bournemouth), and Igor Thiago (Brentford). Established players feature goalkeepers Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), and Ederson (Fenerbahçe); defender Marquinhos (PSG); midfielder Casemiro (Manchester United); and forward Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).
Injuries forced changes, with Ancelotti citing absences of Militão, Bruno Guimarães, Estêvão, and Rodrygo: “A opção dessa lista dependeu muito de lesões. É uma lista criada com jogadores que estão em boas condições físicas. Tivemos lesões importantes, como as de Militão, Bruno Guimarães, Estêvão, Rodrygo.” On Rodrygo's serious injury ruling him out of the World Cup: “He suffered a serious injury that prevents him from playing in the World Cup. It's a shame. He will have time to play another World Cup. I spoke with him. He is calm and motivated.”
Ancelotti emphasized evaluating character: “When chamamos jogadores novos não é porque queremos ver como se ocupa no campo, isso já sabemos. Queremos saber como ele se incorpora no nosso ambiente, seu caráter.”
Neymar, Santos' No. 10 sidelined since October 2023 by an ACL injury, expressed disappointment: “Obviamente, fico chateado e triste por não ter sido convocado. Mas o foco continua.” Ancelotti responded: “Por que não o chamei nessa convocação? Porque não está 100% e preciso de jogadores 100%. Neymar pode estar na Copa do Mundo. Se ele puder chegar 100%, ele pode estar.” The final World Cup roster will be revealed on May 18.
