SANTOS, BRAZIL – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti has officially omitted Neymar Jr. from the Seleção’s upcoming high-profile friendlies against France and Croatia. Despite the 34-year-old’s status as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, the Italian tactician has opted for a “physical-first” approach as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its final stages.
The Decision: Not Technical, But Physical
The news came as a surprise to many, especially after reports surfaced that the Santos forward had been included in the preliminary 50-man list. However, when the final 26-man roster was unveiled for the matches in Boston and Orlando, Neymar’s name was conspicuously absent.
Addressing the media, Ancelotti was quick to clarify that the decision had nothing to do with Neymar’s undeniable talent.
“It is a physical evaluation, not a technical one,” Ancelotti stated. “Neymar handles the ball very well. But for the coaching staff and for me, he has not yet reached his full potential. We need players who are 100% right now.”
A Grueling Road to Recovery
Neymar’s struggle with fitness has been a recurring theme since his horrific ACL injury sustained against Uruguay in October 2023. After a lengthy rehabilitation and a return to Brazilian domestic football with Santos, the superstar has struggled to find consistency.
While he recently completed 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Corinthians—showing glimpses of his trademark flair—he was forced to sit out a subsequent match against Mirassol on March 10 due to muscle strain and fatigue. This lack of “match durability” ultimately forced Ancelotti’s hand.
The World Cup Ultimatum
With the 2026 World Cup less than 100 days away, this international window was seen as the final experimental phase for the Seleção. By leaving Neymar out, Ancelotti is sending a clear message: reputation will not guarantee a plane ticket to the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
However, the door isn’t completely closed. Ancelotti emphasized that the “final roster” for the World Cup could look different if Neymar proves his fitness in the coming months.
“Neymar has to keep working and playing, demonstrating his quality in good physical condition,” Ancelotti added. “If he arrives at the World Cup at 100%, he can participate.”
A New Look Seleção
In Neymar’s absence, the spotlight shifts to a younger generation of talent. Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo (though Rodrygo faces his own injury battles) are expected to lead the line, while Ancelotti has also handed maiden call-ups to emerging stars like Igor Thiago and Rayan, rewarding their strong form in Europe.
Brazil is scheduled to face France on March 26 in Boston, followed by a clash with Croatia on March 31 in Orlando. These fixtures will serve as the ultimate litmus test for Ancelotti’s vision of a high-intensity, physically dominant Brazil.
For Neymar, the mission is simple but daunting: return to peak physical condition or risk watching what could be his final World Cup from the sidelines.
