Neymar Snubbed From Brazil’s Squad For Friendlies As Endrick Earns Call-Up

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 07:58 IST

Neymar was left out of Brazil's team for friendlies against France and Croatia, impacting his World Cup hopes. Endrick and Igor Thiago received call-ups.

Star Brazilian forward Neymar didn’t receive a call-up to the national team squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, although striker Endrick found a spot. With this snub, Neymar’s hopes of playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup have received a massive blow.

Brazil’s clashes against France (March 26, Boston) and Croatia (March 31, Orlando) will serve as their final outings before coach Carlo Ancelotti names his World Cup team on May 18.

After the team was announced on Monday, Neymar said at an event in São Paulo that he felt ‘upset and sad’ about being left out by Ancelotti for the two friendlies.

“But my focus remains, day after day, training after training, match after match. We will reach our goal, there is still the final squad," Neymar said.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, hasn’t featured for the national team since October 2023 after suffering ACL and meniscus injuries in his left knee.

On Sunday, March 15, Neymar reaffirmed his ambition to play at the FIFA World Cup after completing 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Corinthians, a game watched by two of Ancelotti’s assistants.

News sports football Neymar Snubbed From Brazil’s Squad For Friendlies As Endrick Earns Call-Up

Read More