W<\/span>With just 70 days left until the start of the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, the Brazilian national team is in the spotlight after manager Carlo Ancelotti reportedly decided not to include Neymar Jr. in his squad. <\/p>\nAccording to ESPN, the Italian coach has effectively finalized the 26-man roster that will represent Verde Amarella, but the number 10 is not on it.<\/p>\n
End of an era? Ancelotti may exclude Ney from the World Cup<\/h2>\n
The Brazilian national team coach caused controversy by excluding Ney, who is recovering from a muscle strain, from friendly matches against France and Croatia. <\/p>\n
Ancelotti and the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) have always been clear: to be called up and to return, he must be “100%” physically. Despite his accomplishments, history may repeat itself as everything points to the Santos FC icon not making the trip to North America.<\/p>\n
Of the 26 players traveling to the World Cup, 24 have reportedly already secured their spots, but the 34-year-old Brazilian star is not among them. Coach Carletto’s plan is to stick to the core of his recent team. In this scenario, three players are competing for the two spots: Lucas Paquet, Endrik, and Igor Thiago.<\/p>\n
Ancelotti aims to rebuild Brazil on the international stage by putting his faith in young players and building a flexible squad that can adapt to different needs, situations and opponents, focusing on collective play rather than relying on single star players. <\/p>\n
In addition to injury, lack of match fitness could also be another important factor in Carlet’s decision. Neymar has not played for Canarinha since October 17, 2023, in a South American qualifying match against Uruguay, when he injured his knee. Furthermore, Santos has only played five games this year since returning to the Brazilian club in January 2025 and overcoming various injuries. <\/p>\n
But Neymar has been one of Brazil’s most recognizable faces for more than a decade, so his absence surprised thousands of fans, analysts and even figures like Mourinho, Romario, Ronaldo Nazario and Cuff. Even Rodrigo Goes and Vini Junior have expressed their support for Ney joining the team, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner. <\/p>\n
Nevertheless, if Ancelotti ultimately decides to remove him from the roster, it could mark the end of an era in Verde Amarella’s recent history. His role as captain and leader may not be a good fit for a project that prioritizes a more balanced team, focusing on the collective rather than individual stars.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Carlet is scheduled to announce the final squad for the World Cup on May 18th.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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