Image Credit: @CBF_Futebol / X

Neymar Misses Out As Ancelotti Names Brazil Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Carlo Ancelotti addressed Neymar's absence during his unveiling at the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters.

Image Credit: @CBF_Futebol / X

Carlo Ancelotti has named his first Brazil squad since officially taking charge. The biggest omission in the squad is that of Neymar Jr., who will not feature in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. However, Ancelotti explained that the decision to omit Neymar was due to the Santos star’s fitness concerns.

Neymar last featured for Brazil in October 2023, when he sustained a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. One notable returnee in Brazil squad is Manchester United’s Casemiro, whose absence from the national setup since October raised questions about his international future. Ancelotti, who worked closely with the midfielder during their time at Real Madrid, expressed admiration for Casemiro’s leadership. He said,

“In modern soccer, you have to add attitude, commitment, sacrifice, and Casemiro has that. And many of those who have been called up have that.”

Also back in the Brazil squad is Tottenham striker Richarlison, who like Casemiro, last appeared for Brazil in October 2023. Meanwhile, Antony also earned a recall after a standout spell in La Liga at Real Betis. The 24-year-old will face competition on the flanks from Raphinha and Vinicius Junior.

Neymar Is a Very Important Player: Ancelotti

Despite omitting Neymar from his first Brazil squad, new head coach Carlo Ancelotti has assured fans that Neymar remains a key part of his long-term plans. The Italian manager reaffirmed his belief in Neymar’s importance ahead of the 2026 World Cup campaign.

Also Read: Xabi Alonso Presentation at Santiago Bernabeu; New Real Madrid Coach Pays Tribute to Carlo Ancelotti

Ancelotti addressed Neymar’s absence during his unveiling at the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters. He said,

“I tried to select players who are in good shape,” Ancelotti said on Monday. “Neymar had an injury recently. “Everyone knows that Neymar is a very important player, he always has been and always will be.”

The squad also sees the introduction of Palmeiras’ 18-year-old star Estevao, adding a spark of youth to an experienced squad. With Brazil currently sitting fourth in the CONMEBOL standings and still seeking qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ancelotti will be hoping for immediate results while also preparing for the long-term future of the Selecao.

Brazil will travel to face Ecuador on June 5 before hosting Paraguay in Sao Paulo on June 10. The five-time world champions are fourth in the South American group, having lost five of 14 games.

Full Brazil Squad:

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

Defenders: Alexsandro (Flamengo), Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille), Beraldo (PSG), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Danilo (Flamengo), Leo Ortiz (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Flamengo).

Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), Gerson (Flamengo).

Forwards: Antony (Betis), Estevao (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).

TIME CONVOCADO! 🇧🇷

O treinador da Seleção Brasileira, Carlo Ancelotti, anunciou nesta segunda-feira (26) a lista dos convocados para os jogos contra Equador e Paraguai, pelas Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo 2026.

ISSO É BRASIL! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/oYWYg7R8mh
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) May 26, 2025

Antony

Carlo Ancelotti

Casemiro

Neymar

Richarlison

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.