Neymar Jr. has been out of the national team for almost two years. The Brazilian superstar will not be in the team for the last two matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Despite the strong possibility, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti did not name Neymar in the 25-man squad announced for the matches against Chile and Bolivia.
Brazil will face Chile and Bolivia in FIFA World Cup qualifiers next week. The Seleção have already secured their place in the 2026 World Cup, but the team is taking these two matches seriously. Neymar’s return for these two matches was almost certain. But the star was injured just the day before the team was announced.
Neymar last played for Brazil in October 2023. At that time, he suffered a serious knee ligament injury. The 33-year-old star has not yet fully recovered from that injury. Neymar had indicated a return to his childhood club Santos from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. However, in the end, he did not return to the Brazil team.
“Neymar suffered a minor injury last week. We have two important matches ahead of us. So we need players who are 100 percent fit. No one doubts Neymar’s quality. But we want to see him fully fit. So that he can give his best for the national team,” Ancelotti said at a press conference.
This squad has a great mix of youth and experience. Several experienced star footballers have found their place in this team. Alisson, Casemiro, Marquinhos have retained their places in the team as usual. In addition, Ancelotti has also called up Chelsea’s young talents Estevao and Lucas Paqueta.
Brazil squad for matches against Chile and Bolivia:
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Defenders: Alexandre Ribeiro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabrizio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Venderson (Monaco), Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders: Andre Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)
Forward: Estevao (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Caio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luis Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Rafinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham).
FAQ
Why is Neymar not included in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers?
Neymar suffered a minor knee injury last week, and Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti wants players fully fit for the matches against Chile and Bolivia.
When did Neymar last play for Brazil?
Neymar last played for Brazil in October 2023 before suffering a serious knee ligament injury.
Has Neymar returned to club football?
Yes, Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos from Al-Hilal, but he is still recovering and not fully match-ready for the national team.
Which matches will Brazil play without Neymar?
Brazil will play against Chile and Bolivia in the final two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Who are the other notable players included in Brazil’s squad?
Experienced players like Alisson, Casemiro, and Marquinhos are included, along with young talents such as Estevao and Lucas Paqueta.
Has Brazil already qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, Brazil has secured its place in the 2026 World Cup, but the team is taking the last two qualifiers seriously.
