Neymar left out of Brazil’s FIFA World Cup warm-up squad

Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], March 18 (HBTV): Brazilian football superstar Neymar has been left out of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-up matches.

Brazil is set to play France on March 26 in Boston and Croatia on March 31 in Orlando ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, according to reports.

The decision to leave out Neymar comes after the 34-year-old missed a recent clash for Santos FC due to muscle fatigue. The match had been identified by coach Carlo Ancelotti as an opportunity to assess him ahead of the squad announcement.

'Neymar can be at the World Cup if he’s 100 per cent,' Ancelotti said after announcing his squad.

'I didn’t call him up because he’s not 100 per cent. Neymar has to be training and playing.'

Neymar, speaking at a Kings League event in Sao Paulo, expressed disappointment over the decision.

'But I remain focused, day after day, training session after training session, match after match. We will achieve our goal. The dream continues,' he said.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr) and Ederson (Fenerbahce).

Defenders: Wesley (AS Roma), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit St Petersburg), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Ibanez (Al-Ahli) and Leo Pereira (Flamengo).

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad) and Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray).

Forwards: Endrick (Olympique Lyonnais), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St Petersburg), Rayan (Bournemouth), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona) and Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid). (ANI)