Ancelotti Picks Endrick For Brazil Tour In United States, Neymar Left Out Sparks World Cup Questions
Carlo Ancelotti announced his latest call-up for Brazil’s March friendlies, recalling Endrick while leaving Neymar out of the squad once again. The list is the penultimate test before the final selection for the 2026 World Cup, and the omission of Neymar renews debate over attacking options ahead of matches in Boston and Orlando.
Neymar Left Out Again As Ancelotti Finalizes March Squad
Neymar is not included in Ancelotti’s latest group for the friendlies scheduled for March, a continuation of the coach’s decision not to select the forward since taking charge. The player has expressed a desire to return to the national team and has publicly said he is working to achieve that goal; he also stated he will support the national side whether he is called up or not. The omission comes amid a moment of personal celebration for the forward, who reached his 800th professional match with Santos and received a club-organised tribute at Vila Belmiro that featured a special shirt and a prominent tifo.
Endrick Recalled, Rodrygo Absence Opens Forward Spots
Endrick’s recall is the headline change in Ancelotti’s selection, with the coach bringing the Lyon striker back into the fold for the two U. S. friendlies. The vacancy created by Rodrygo’s serious knee injury has expanded opportunities in attack, with Endrick joined by newcomers Igor Thiago of Brentford and Rayan of Bournemouth among the notable additions. Other forwards named include Vinicius Jr., Gabriel Martinelli, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha and João Pedro, offering a mix of youth and experience as the staff finalises options for the World Cup roster.
Schedule, Staff Changes and Path To Final 26
The March friendlies are set for Boston on March 26 and Orlando on March 31, serving as immediate preparation before Brazil’s final matches in late May and early June. The Brazilian Football Confederation has scheduled the announcement of its 26-man World Cup list for May 18, with June 1 as the deadline for any changes. Brazil will begin its concentration for the tournament on May 25 and will play further warm-up matches on May 31 against Panama and on June 6 against Egypt prior to the start of the competition in North America.
Staff adjustments accompany the squad decisions: Davide Ancelotti will join his father on the coaching staff following his first managerial experience at Botafogo. The change reunites the Ancelotti duo as the national side prepares for the World Cup to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The selection choices made for the March tour underline the immediate priorities facing the coaching staff: replace the injured Rodrygo, assess emerging attackers in live opposition, and finalise a 26-player group that balances youth and established internationals. With Endrick back in the conversation and Neymar still outside the squad, Ancelotti’s forthcoming selections will be watched closely as definitive decisions approach.
