Neymar Not Included in Brazil’s Squad List for 2026 World Cup Qualification

Brasilia, Beritasatu.com – Even though he has returned to the field after being absent for more than a year due to injury, Neymar is not included in the list of players for the Brazilian national team for the two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup at the end of this year. Brazilian coach Dorival Júnior did not include the star striker squad against Venezuela on November 14, 2024 and Uruguay five days later.

Neymar previously returned to play for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal on October 21 in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Neymar hasn’t had many playing minutes, which is the reason why Junior didn’t call him.

“He’s fully recovered, but he only played a few minutes, and that’s a big reason,” Junior said.

However, Neymar’s door to return to the Brazilian national team will always be open. “Next year, he will have more playing time, he will really recover his confidence,” he hoped.

Apart from Neymar, Junior also did not include young striker Endrick. Brazil are currently fourth in the 2026 World Cup qualifying South American zone, six points behind leaders Argentina after 10 matches.

The top six teams will then secure an automatic place in the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil squad

Brazil: Goalkeepers: Weverton (Palmeiras), Bento (Al-Nassr), Ederson (Manchester City).

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Abner (Lyon), Guilherme Arana (Atletico Mineiro), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Eder Militão (Real Madrid), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain) .

Midfielders: Andre (Wolverhampton), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Gerson (Flamengo), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham), Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Raphinha (Barcelona).

Forwards: Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Botafogo), Igor Jesus (Botafogo), Estevao (Palmeiras), Savinho (Manchester City).