Brazil are set to play two high-profile friendly matches ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, facing France on the night of 26 March and Croatia on 1 April (Bangladesh time). Coach Carlo Ancelotti has included Neymar in the preliminary squad for these fixtures, as reported by Brazilian outlets O Globo and UOL. However, concerns over the star forward’s fitness have cast doubt on his participation in the final squad.
Santos are due to face Mirassol in the Brasileirão Serie A tomorrow morning, but Neymar will miss the match due to a recurrence of a muscle injury. Ancelotti is expected to observe the match from the stands, as he wishes to monitor the physical condition of the Brazilian internationals before announcing the final squad for the friendly encounters. According to Brazilian media speculation, Neymar’s absence against Mirassol could jeopardise his inclusion in the World Cup squad.
O Globo reported that Neymar informed Santos about his injury, leading the club to grant him rest for the upcoming match. Neymar will next feature on the field for Santos against Corinthians on Sunday, giving him just one opportunity to demonstrate his match fitness prior to the final squad announcement. Notably, Ancelotti will not be present at that game, which further limits Neymar’s direct assessment by the national coach.
Neymar, 34, last played a full match for Santos on 27 February against Vasco da Gama, scoring twice. Since then, he has not appeared in competitive action for the club, although he has continued individual training in the gym and recently participated in team tactical sessions. Brazilian media emphasise that Ancelotti had hoped to see Neymar fully fit during the Mirassol fixture; his inability to play suggests he is not yet at peak physical condition. The coach has consistently maintained that only fully fit players will be considered for the national team. Neymar’s most recent appearance for Brazil was in October 2023.
A summary of Neymar’s recent activity is provided below:
| Date | Match | Club/Team | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Feb 2026 | Vasco da Gama vs Santos | Santos | 2 | Played full match, scored twice |
| 1 Mar 2026 | Training | Santos | – | Individual gym session |
| 3 Mar 2026 | Tactical Team Session | Santos | – | Participated with squad |
| 26 Mar 2026 | Friendly: Brazil vs France | Brazil | – | Pending squad inclusion, fitness uncertain |
| 1 Apr 2026 | Friendly: Brazil vs Croatia | Brazil | – | Pending squad inclusion, fitness uncertain |
Ancelotti will announce Brazil’s final World Cup squad in May, following the friendlies against France and Croatia. The tournament will kick off on 11 June, with the United States, Mexico, and Canada jointly hosting.
With Neymar yet to demonstrate full match fitness and Ancelotti unable to observe his next appearance directly, uncertainty surrounds the star forward’s role in Brazil’s World Cup campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring his recovery and participation in the upcoming matches to gauge whether he will retain his position among the Seleção’s elite.