Brazil Announces Squad without Neymar for World Cup Qualifiers

Carlo Ancelotti

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti omits Neymar and Vinicius from squad for final World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, citing fitness concerns.

Carlo Ancelotti drops Neymar, Vinicius from Brazil Squad...

Neymar won't be joining Brazil's squad for the final two World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia next week due to a minor leg muscle injury he sustained last week. This is a continuation of his unfortunate injury streak, which has kept him sidelined since October 2023 when he suffered serious knee ligament injuries.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized the importance of having players in top condition for the demanding matches ahead, stating, “Neymar sustained a minor injury last week. This will be the final two matches of the qualifiers, and it will be very demanding, so we need players in their prime conditions so we can perform at the highest level.” Ancelotti prioritized caution over Neymar's fitness, ensuring the star player recovers fully to contribute effectively to the national team in the future.

Ancelotti has announced a 23-man squad for the qualifiers, featuring a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. 

Some notable inclusions are:

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)

Defenders: Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Roma)

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham)

Forwards: Estevao (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham).

Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's Italian coach, has prioritized caution over Neymar's fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Despite his previous commitment to getting Neymar match-ready for the 2026 World Cup, Ancelotti decided to leave the 31-year-old out of the squad due to a minor injury.

“We don't need to evaluate Neymar, we all know who he is and what he is capable of. We need him in peak condition so he can help the national team the way we all know he can,” Ancelotti said, emphasizing the importance of having Neymar at his best for the national team. This decision reflects Ancelotti's focus on ensuring Neymar's long-term fitness and contribution to the team.

Neymar's return to Santos has been a mixed bag, with flashes of brilliance on the pitch. He's scored six goals in 19 games this season, showcasing glimpses of his old magic. However, his emotional exit after Santos' 6-0 thrashing by Vasco last Sunday, where he left the pitch in tears, underscores the challenges he still faces. This defeat was particularly tough for Neymar, marking his 250th appearance for Santos and resulting in the worst loss of his career.

The team boasts a mix of experienced players and young talent. 

Some notable inclusions are:

Goalkeepers:

• Alisson (Liverpool)
• Bento (Al-Nassr)
• Hugo Souza (Corinthians)

Defenders:

• Alex Sandro (Flamengo)
• Caio Henrique (Monaco) 
• Marquinhos (PSG)
• Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)

Midfielders:

• Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle)
• Casemiro (Manchester United)
• Lucas Paquetá (West Ham)

Forwards:

• Estevao (Chelsea)
• Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
• Raphinha (Barcelona)

CONVOCADOS! ✅

O mister Carlo Ancelotti divulgou a lista dos jogadores convocados para os jogos nos dias 4 e 9 de setembro contra Chile, no Maracanã, e Bolívia, em El Alto.

ISSO É BRASIL! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/2CC0oDTypL

— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) August 25, 2025

Ancelotti opted to leave Neymar out of the squad due to a minor leg muscle injury, prioritizing the player's fitness for the World Cup. Despite his absence, Brazil remains confident, looking to end their qualifying campaign on a high note.