Football World Cup Tickets: Neymar Jr. has once again been left out of Brazil’s squad for the closing rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The decision, announced by national team coach Carlo Ancelotti, comes as the Selecao prepares for its final two matches in the South American qualifying campaign.
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Brazil has already secured its spot in the tournament, but the absence of one of its most iconic figures remains a major talking point across world football. The 32-year-old forward, who recently rejoined Santos after spells in Europe with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, continues to face questions over his physical condition.
Ancelotti explained that Neymar’s exclusion was motivated by fitness concerns, not by doubts over his quality. The Italian coach made it clear that while Neymar is admired by both fans and himself, he must prove he is fully fit before being considered again.
According to Ancelotti, risking a player with minor injuries in games that carry little consequence for qualification would be unnecessary, especially when Brazil already know they will be in the tournament.
Reports in Brazil indicate that Neymar picked up a muscle issue during training with Santos shortly before the squad announcement. While the injury was not considered severe, Ancelotti preferred to give the player additional time to recover.
World Cup Tickets: Brazil Moves On Without Neymar
He emphasized that Neymar is not above the rules of the team and that reputation alone will not guarantee him a spot in the lineup. The coach underlined that even star names must show they can contribute physically at the highest level.
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This stance marks a clear shift for the Brazilian national team, which for many years built its attacking identity around Neymar. Since making his international debut in 2010, he has scored over 70 goals for the Seleção, often carrying the side in major tournaments. However, recurring injuries have disrupted his career, particularly over the last few seasons.
Neymar has not worn the Brazil shirt since October 2023, when he suffered a devastating ACL and meniscus injury that kept him sidelined for months. Since his return to Santos earlier this year, his comeback has been stop-start.
While his return to the Brazilian league was celebrated as a homecoming for one of the country’s greatest modern talents, his club form has been inconsistent. Santos currently languish in 15th place in the league standings and were humiliated in a 6–0 defeat to Vasco da Gama, a side featuring Neymar’s former national teammate Philippe Coutinho.
FIFA World Cup Tickets: Neymar Left Out, Squad Surprises
Neymar has already missed several matches through injury since his return, underlining Ancelotti’s concerns about his durability ahead of a demanding international schedule. The omission of Neymar was not the only surprise in the latest squad. Real Madrid duo Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, two of Brazil’s brightest attacking stars, were also not selected.
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Their absence, however, was linked to fitness management and rotation rather than long-term concerns. With qualification already secured, Ancelotti has opted to rest several key names while experimenting with other players in the squad. This approach highlights his intention to build a balanced team where no player is seen as untouchable.
For Neymar, the message is clear: if he wants to play a leading role at the 2026 World Cup, he must stay fit and available consistently. Ancelotti stressed that Brazil does not need to test Neymar because they already know his abilities. What they need, he explained, is a Neymar who can be relied upon to play at the top level without frequent injury setbacks.
FIFA World Cup Final Tickets: Brazil’s New Era Under Ancelotti
Brazil’s final qualifiers see them host Chile on 4 September before traveling to La Paz to face Bolivia on 9 September. While the results will not affect their participation in the World Cup, the matches provide an opportunity for fringe players to prove themselves and for Ancelotti to continue shaping the identity of the squad.
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Among the notable inclusions is Lucas Paquetá of West Ham United, who returns to the team for the first time since being cleared of match-fixing allegations by the English FA. Paquetá has been a regular in Brazil’s midfield in past campaigns, but this call-up is his first under Ancelotti’s management.
The squad itself reflects the balance Ancelotti is seeking. The goalkeeping group includes Alisson, Bento, and Hugo Souza, ensuring both experience and youth are represented. In defense, the coach has called upon the likes of Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Alex Sandro, and Vanderson, forming a blend of established internationals and emerging names.
Midfield options feature veterans such as Casemiro alongside younger talents like Andrey Santos and Joelinton. In attack, Ancelotti has selected a varied group, including Richarlison, Raphinha, João Pedro, and rising star Estêvão, signaling a commitment to giving opportunities to a new generation.
Football World Cup 2026 Tickets: Neymar Must Prove His Worth
For supporters, Neymar’s absence may feel unusual, but it reflects a wider shift in Brazilian football. The Seleção no longer wants to rely on a single individual to carry the team’s hopes. Instead, Ancelotti is building a squad where depth and collective strength matter as much as individual brilliance.
Neymar still has the talent and reputation to play a role in that project, but only if his body allows him to perform consistently. The coming months will be crucial for the Santos forward. With the World Cup less than a year away.
He faces the challenge of staying fit, regaining form, and proving to Ancelotti that he can once again be the leader of Brazil’s attack. If he can rise to the occasion, Neymar may yet play a defining role in what could be his final World Cup. If not, Brazil appears ready to move forward with a new generation of stars determined to make their own mark on the world stage.
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FAQs
1. Why was Neymar left out of Brazil’s World Cup 2026 qualifiers squad?
Neymar was excluded due to fitness concerns. Coach Carlo Ancelotti wanted to ensure the forward was fully fit before participating, especially since Brazil had already secured World Cup qualification. Minor injuries and his recent recovery from an ACL and meniscus injury influenced the decision.
2. Are other key Brazilian players also missing from the squad?
Yes. Real Madrid stars Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo were also not selected. Their absence is related to fitness management and squad rotation rather than performance issues, as Brazil is resting key players ahead of the World Cup.
3. Who are the notable new inclusions in Brazil’s squad?
Lucas Paquetá of West Ham United returns to the squad for the first time under Ancelotti after being cleared of match-fixing allegations. The squad also includes a mix of experienced players like Casemiro and Marquinhos, alongside younger talents such as Estêvão, Andrey Santos, and João Pedro.
4. When are Brazil’s final World Cup qualifiers scheduled?
Brazil will host Chile on 4 September and travel to Bolivia for their final match on 9 September. These games are an opportunity for fringe players to prove themselves, though Brazil’s World Cup spot is already secured 5. Where can fans buy FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets?
Fans can purchase official and premium FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets at worldwideticketsandhospitality.com. The platform partners with trusted sellers in the secondary market to ensure high-quality tickets for matches, including semi-finals and the final.
