Neymar has stated he is not giving up on making Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad this summer, despite his exclusion from Carlo Ancelotti's squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. The 34-year-old Santos forward expressed frustration but vowed to stay focused on training and matches, with the coach citing fitness concerns.
Following Carlo Ancelotti's announcement on March 16 of Brazil's 26-man squad for friendlies against France (March 26 in Orlando) and Croatia (March 31 in Boston), Neymar—Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals—was omitted due to ongoing fitness issues. Ancelotti, who took charge in June 2025, has not selected the forward since his last appearance in October 2023, when he tore his ACL and meniscus during a World Cup qualifier. Neymar has managed limited play this season amid recovery struggles.
Ancelotti watched Neymar's subdued performance in Santos's 1-1 draw with Corinthians on Sunday, after the player's absence in a midweek draw at Mirassol. During a live broadcast of a Kings League Brazil game on Monday evening, Neymar opened up: “I’m going to speak out here, because I can’t just let this pass. Obviously I’m upset and sad not to have been selected. But the focus remains the same, day after day, training session after training session, match after match. We’ll achieve our goal. There’s still one final squad announcement to go and the dream lives on. That’s it, we’re in this together.”
Later, on Instagram, he posted: “Thank you all for the kind messages today! Trust the process; whatever will be, will be! Work in silence.”
Ancelotti has not ruled out Neymar for the final World Cup squad reveal on May 18, urging him to “keep working, playing, showcasing his qualities and maintaining good physical condition.” Selection would mark Neymar's fourth World Cup appearance.
