Brazil will continue its preparations for the 2026 World Cup with two friendlies against France on Thursday and Croatia on Tuesday before Carlo Ancelotti names his final roster on May 18.
Ancelotti's latest squad has drawn attention because Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, was left out of the nation's team for the upcoming high-level matches due to fitness concerns.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023 and won't feature in any of the late-March friendlies after Ancelotti determined he was not yet at 100 percent.
“Neymar can be at the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “If he can reach the next World Cup at 100 percent, he can be at the World Cup. Why is he not on this list now? Because he is not 100%. We need players at 100% right now. But as I said, for the final list, the conversation is different. Neymar has to keep working and playing, showing his qualities in a good physical condition.”
Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images
The uncertainty surrounding Neymar's presence in what he's confirmed would be his last World Cup has sparked reactions across the international scene, including from France forward Kylian Mbappe.
“The World Cup is a competition of stars,” Mbappe said. “All the stars are here, and in my book, Neymar is one of the biggest stars.
“I can’t imagine the World Cup without Neymar.”
Mbappe, however, acknowledged Ancelotti's decision to leave Neymar out of their upcoming friendly, saying that the final call will ultimately belong to Brazil’s coaching staff.
“In the end, I can’t go against my former coach, Ancelotti,” Mbappe said. “I have to respect his decision.”
When asked about Brazil’s attacking identity and whether Neymar or his current Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr. would lead the team at the 2026 World Cup, Mbappe hinted at a transition.
“Vini now needs to take another step forward with the national team, but Neymar is Neymar,” Mbappe said. “Neymar is a fantastic player.”
Brazil and France face each other on Thursday at Gillette Stadium in Boston, with kick-off set for 4 p.m. ET.
