Ancelotti's squad for the friendlies with France and Croatia » Brand absence just three months before WC 2026!
Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Monday, March 16, 2026, 9:32 p.m. / Updated Monday, March 16, 2026, 9:33 p.m.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti (66 years old) announced the list of players called up for the two tests that the Brazilian national team will play on March 26 and 31, against France and Croatia, respectively, both scheduled in the United States of America.
The Italian coach from Real Madrid, who extended his contract with the federation in Rio de Janeiro until 2028, made the team selections for the friendlies organized in the USA.
This is the last list before the final squad for this summer's World Cup is decided. The physical condition of the players was the main criterion in Brazil's preferences, as explained by coach Ancelotti, who justified the call-up by the need to have players in top form, given the intensity of the upcoming matches and the short interval between them.
Carlo Ancelotti and Vinicius during Brazil's friendly against Senegal (2-0, November 15, 2025) // PHOTO: Getty Images
“I preferred to call the players in perfect physical condition”
“Obviously this list depends a lot on injuries. It is made up of players who are 100% fit. We have important medical problems, such as Eder Militão, Bruno Guimarães, Estevão and Rodrygo, who we wish a speedy recovery.
We will play two very important matches, of high intensity, in a very short period of time, including away trips. So I preferred to summon those who are in perfect physical condition”, commented the Italian coach.
He was surprised by the absence of Neymar, who was on the preliminary list, but Ancelotti did not provide further details on the matter. The striker from FC Santos did not participate in the match against the Mirassol team, which the coach personally attended.
The Brazil team called by Carlo Ancelotti
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr) and Ederson (Fenerbahçe);
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Roger Ibañez (Al Ahli), Léo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG) and Wesley (Roma);
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al Ittihad) and Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray);
Strikers: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), João Pedro (Chelsea), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth) and Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid).
Neymar was left out of the Brazil squad by Carlo Ancelotti for the friendly matches on March 26 and 31 / Photo: X
Brazil will meet France on March 26 in Boston, then face Croatia on March 31 in Orlando. The build-up to the 2026 World Cup will also include a match against Panama at the Maracanã on May 31 and a final test against Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland, the last before the final tour begins in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
At WC 2026, Brazil have been drawn in Group C and are scheduled to make their debut on June 13 against Morocco in New Jersey. Next up are games against Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia and against Scotland on June 24 in Miami.
