Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar’s absence from his latest squad is the result of a “technical decision”, insisting that fitness and team balance were prioritised over individual talent.
The Seleção, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, face Chile on 5 September and Bolivia on 9 September in their next CONMEBOL qualifiers. Neymar, who has not played for Brazil since 18 October 2023, had hoped for a recall after finding form with Santos this season.
When announcing his squad in late august, Ancelotti surprised many by leaving out Neymar as well as Real Madrid forwards Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. Addressing questions ahead of the Chile fixture, the Italian clarified: “It was a technical decision based on several factors. Nobody can deny Neymar’s talent, but we evaluate physical condition for everyone. That applies to him as much as anyone else.”
Ancelotti emphasised the scale of competition within the national team, revealing that around 70 players remain in contention for the final 26-man squad for the World Cup. “We have a large pool of players. The quality is there, but the strength of the collective is what counts. I already have a group in mind. The biggest mistake would be to get that list wrong.”
While refusing to single out individuals, Ancelotti underlined that long-term planning for 2026 is shaping his selections.
Since rejoining Santos earlier this year, Neymar has played 20 matches, scoring six goals and providing three assists. The 33-year-old recently stressed that he was not injured, making his omission all the more striking.
Ancelotti, however, insisted that the decision was not personal:
“It’s a technical choice, not one dictated by physical problems. We are building for the World Cup. It has been 24 years since Brazil last won it. The responsibility is huge, but so is the motivation of the country.”
Brazil sit third in the South American qualifying standings with 25 points. With qualification secured, Ancelotti is using the remaining fixtures to refine his squad’s shape and chemistry.
