Ancelotti calls up Neymar to Brazil national team

Brazil have handed Neymar a crucial opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup after head coach Carlo Ancelotti included the veteran forward in an expanded preliminary squad for the upcoming international friendlies. 

The Brazil national football team will face France national football team and Croatia national football team later in March in what will be their final international window before the global tournament. 

The call-up offers the 34-year-old a lifeline as he attempts to secure a place in the final squad.

Despite being named in the preliminary list, Neymar will miss Santos FC’s upcoming league match against Mirassol FC due to load management. 

Ancelotti and Brazilian Football Confederation director Rodrigo Caetano are still expected to attend the fixture. 

That means Neymar will likely have just one more club appearance, against Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, to convince the coach he deserves a place in the final World Cup selection.

Teenage striker Endrick has also been included in the extended squad after making an impressive start to life at Olympique Lyonnais following his January move. 

The youngster has quickly adapted to French football and delivered a string of strong performances for the club.

In only 10 appearances for Lyon, Endrick has already scored five goals and provided three assists. 

His rapid impact has strengthened his chances of earning a spot in the final squad, potentially giving Brazil’s attacking line a youthful boost heading into the 2026 tournament.

At the back, Gleison Bremer has returned to the national team picture after being named in the extensive pre-list of more than 50 players. 

The Juventus FC centre-back has not featured for Brazil since the 2024 Copa América due to a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained later that year.

Bremer has since made a strong recovery after undergoing surgery and an intensive rehabilitation process, returning as a regular starter for Juventus.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s attacking options have been further affected by the loss of Rodrygo, who suffered a season-ending ACL and meniscus injury. 

Reacting to the news, Neymar described the Real Madrid CF winger as his “little brother” and “heir,” highlighting the significant void Brazil must now address ahead of the World Cup.