
Carlo Ancelotti Explains Neymar Brazil Squad Snub Ahead of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
When Carlo Ancelotti announced his latest Brazil squad for the final round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers, eyebrows were always going to be raised. Not just because of the fresh faces and bold calls sprinkled throughout the list, but because one of the country’s most iconic footballers, Neymar, was nowhere to be seen.
The Santos star and former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward is no stranger to the spotlight when it comes to national team matters, yet this time the headlines arrived for his absence rather than his presence. Ancelotti, though, has been quick to explain that leaving Neymar out was not about politics, controversy, or personal messages—it was a matter of practicality.
Neymar Left Out of Brazil Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 international goals, Neymar has not played for his country since October 2023. That was the night disaster struck against Uruguay, when he suffered a devastating knee ligament injury that kept him out of action for nearly a full year.
The 33-year-old has worked tirelessly to return, but his recovery has been slow and cautious. He only recently got back onto the pitch at club level, and while flashes of his old brilliance remain, his physical shape is still a question mark. For Ancelotti, who has just begun his reign as Brazil boss, the equation is simple: the squad must be filled with players who are fully ready to contribute now, while also offering him the chance to explore new talent.
“It’s a list that has changed a little since the first squad,” Ancelotti explained to reporters. “We’re not counting on players like Carlos Augusto, Beraldo, Leo Ortiz, Danilo, Andreas Pereira, Gerson, Ederson, Antony, and Vinicius, because my idea is to get to know new players that I don’t know well. Neymar isn’t in this second squad because he had a minor problem last week, but he doesn’t need to prove anything.”
In other words, the veteran forward’s legacy with the Seleção is not in doubt. His quality is unquestioned. But until his body is truly ready to handle the intensity of competitive qualifiers, there is little sense in forcing the issue.
Ancelotti Dismisses Claims He Called Neymar

Carlo Ancelotti Announces Brazil’s Team To Face The FIFA World Cup Qualifier
One of the talking points around the announcement was whether Ancelotti had picked up the phone to let Neymar know in advance. After all, many might assume that leaving such a high-profile player out of the national team setup would come with at least a private conversation.
Not so, according to the Italian.
“I don’t need to call them to explain this,” he said. “If they want, they can call me. Rodrygo (also absent) has my number. I don’t know if Neymar has my number, but I think he does.”
It was a blunt but honest response, very much in line with Ancelotti’s famously calm and pragmatic personality. For him, communication is always open, but there’s no need for grand gestures. The decision is based on football, not on sentiment.
Brazil’s Focus on the Future
The omission of Neymar, alongside other big names such as Vinícius Júnior and Antony, points to Ancelotti’s wider vision. His goal isn’t simply to win qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia—games Brazil will always be expected to control—but to widen the net and take a closer look at emerging players who may play crucial roles in the coming years.
On the tactical side, Ancelotti already knows what Neymar and the other established stars can bring. What he wants now is firsthand knowledge of the next wave—players who could provide depth, competition, and versatility when the stakes rise in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer.
These final qualifiers, therefore, are more of a testing ground than a must-win proving ground. Brazil have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, which gives Ancelotti a unique opportunity to experiment without the weight of pressure.
Neymar Still Central to Brazil’s Hopes
Despite the current absence, there’s little doubt that Neymar remains a key figure in Brazil’s long-term plans. His return to fitness is still being carefully monitored, and when he is firing again, few players in the world can match his ability to influence games at the highest level.
Ancelotti made that clear when asked whether Neymar still had a future in his team. “Everyone knows Neymar, the national team, and all the Brazilian fans,” he said. “Neymar, like everyone else, needs to be in good physical shape to help the team perform well and try to give their best at the World Cup.”
The message is simple: Neymar doesn’t need to audition for a spot. His reputation and past performances have already secured him a place in the conversation. But football is unforgiving, and even legends must be in peak condition to play a part in a World Cup run.
A Familiar Situation for Ancelotti
For Ancelotti, this kind of balancing act is nothing new. Throughout his long managerial career at clubs like AC Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, he has dealt with squads stacked with superstars, each with their own expectations and egos.
Leaving big names out is never easy, but the Italian has always handled such situations with his trademark composure. By focusing on the bigger picture—team performance and long-term goals—he often diffuses tension before it has a chance to build.
His approach to Neymar and Brazil feels much the same. There’s no drama, no public confrontation, no attempt to make headlines. Just a calm explanation that the squad list is about exploring new options, while Neymar’s absence is a matter of timing and fitness.
What Comes Next for Neymar and Brazil
The big question now is how Neymar responds. At 33, with injuries piling up over the years, it’s fair to wonder whether he can return to his absolute best in time for the World Cup. Yet if there’s one thing he has proven, it’s resilience.
Each time he has been written off, Neymar has found a way to come back. His creativity, flair, and knack for producing game-changing moments make him a unique asset, even in the latter stages of his career. For Brazil, having him in the mix next summer—fully fit and motivated—could be the difference between a deep run and falling short once again.
As for Ancelotti, he will continue to build his squad with an eye on balance, youth, and tactical flexibility. If Neymar can get back to his sharpest level, there is little doubt that he will be welcomed back with open arms. Until then, Brazil’s coach will keep experimenting, confident that his decisions now will pay off when it matters most.
Conclusion
Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to leave Neymar out of Brazil’s squad for the final 2026 World Cup qualifiers has caused plenty of debate, but the logic behind it is sound. The veteran forward is still regaining his physical condition, and the coach is using the opportunity to explore other options.
There was no dramatic phone call, no falling out, and no hidden agenda. Just a straightforward decision, made with the World Cup in mind.
For Neymar, the challenge is clear: get fit, stay fit, and remind the world of the talent that made him Brazil’s all-time top scorer. For Ancelotti, the task is to blend the old guard with new blood, ensuring the Seleção arrive in North America next summer ready to chase another shot at global glory.
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