It has been confirmed that striker Neymar will miss Brazil’s squad for the last two matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, extending his absence from the national team to nearly two years. Coach Carlo Ancelotti attributed Neymar’s exclusion from the 23-man squad announced on Monday to a minor calf muscle injury sustained a few days ago. Brazil has already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Neymar, former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward, has not played for the national team since October 2023 due to a serious knee injury that hampered his return to the field. Ancelotti said in a press conference, “Neymar suffered a minor injury last week.

The last two qualifiers will be demanding, so we need players in top condition to perform at the highest level.” The Italian coach, who has previously expressed his commitment to preparing Neymar for the 2026 World Cup, is cautious about the 33-year-old player’s fitness. Neymar has shown glimpses of his usual form since returning to his childhood club Santos from Saudi Arabia, scoring six goals and providing six assists in 19 matches this season. However, his emotional exit after Santos’ heavy 6-0 defeat to Vasco last Sunday highlighted ongoing challenges. The squad includes a mix of prominent stars like Alisson, Marquinhos, and Casemiro alongside young talents such as Chelsea’s promising youngster Estêvão and the return of West Ham midfielder Lucas Paquetá, as Brazil aims for a strong finish in the qualifiers. The full Brazil squad is: Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians).

Defenders: Alexandro Ribeiro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabrício Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Wanderson (Monaco), Welsey (Roma). Midfielders: André Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paquetá (West Ham). Forwards: Estêvão (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), João Pedro (Chelsea), Caio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham).