With 70 days to go before the start of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the Brazil National Team has been making headlines, as head coach Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly decided not to include Neymar Jr. on the roster.
According to ESPN, the Italian coach has practically finalized the 26-player roster that will represent the Verdeamarela, and the name of the #10 does not appear on it.
End of an era? Ancelotti could leave Ney out of the World Cup
Brazil’s coach had sparked controversy after ruling Ney out of the friendlies against France and Croatia as he was recovering from a muscle strain.
Ancelotti and the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) have always been clear: To be called up, to return, he needs to be “100%” physically. Now, despite his legacy, history could repeat itself, as everything indicates that the Santos FC icon will not be traveling to North America.
Of the 26 players traveling to the World Cup, 24 are reportedly already guaranteed a spot, and the 34-year-old Brazilian star is not among them, as Carletto’s plan is to stick with the core of his recent squads. In this scenario, three players are vying for two spots: Lucas Paquetá, Endrick, and Igor Thiago.
Ancelotti has placed his trust in young players and aims to reinvent Brazil on the international stage without relying on a single star, focusing on collective play and building a flexible team capable of adapting to different needs, contexts, and opponents.
In addition to his injuries, a lack of match fitness could be another key factor in Carletto’s decision: Neymar hasn’t played for the Canarinha since the South American qualifier against Uruguay on October 17, 2023, when he suffered a knee injury. Furthermore, with Santos, he has played only five matches this year following his return to the Brazilian club in January 2025 and after overcoming various injuries.
However, Neymar has been one of Brazil’s most recognizable faces for over a decade, so his absence has surprised thousands of fans, analysts, and even figures like Mourinho, Romario, Ronaldo Nazario, and Cafú. Even Rodrygo Goes and Vini Jr. have voiced their support for Ney’s inclusion in the squad, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
Despite this, if Ancelotti ultimately decides to leave him off the roster, it could mark the end of an era in the recent history of the Verdeamarela. His role as captain and leader may not fit into a project that prioritizes a more balanced squad focused on the collective rather than an individual star.
Meanwhile, Carletto is set to announce the final World Cup roster on May 18.
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