Brazilian superstar Neymar’s return to the national team has been postponed, as confirmed by a report from ESPN. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has decided not to include Neymar in the squad for the two upcoming friendly matches in March.
Neymar, who has been sidelined for an extended period due to injury, recently resumed playing for Santos, gradually regaining his match fitness. However, Ancelotti is taking a cautious approach, preferring that Neymar fully restore his rhythm and physical condition at club level before rejoining the Seleção for international duty.
Brazil are scheduled to face France and Croatia in the United States as part of their pre-World Cup preparations. Ancelotti intends to use these matches to evaluate new talent and alternative options, giving emerging players an opportunity to impress ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil’s March Friendly Matches 2026
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 March 2026 | France | Miami, USA | Test new and alternative players |
| 23 March 2026 | Croatia | Charlotte, USA | Strengthen squad balance and cohesion |
The Brazilian coaching and medical staff are closely monitoring Neymar’s fitness and recovery. If his physical condition meets the team’s requirements by the end of the club season, he may have the opportunity to return to the national squad.
Ancelotti’s strategy reflects a broader plan to balance experience with youth as Brazil prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The management is taking a measured approach to Neymar’s reintegration, ensuring that his inclusion does not compromise team performance or expose him to unnecessary injury risk.
Analysts note that Neymar’s experience and technical quality remain invaluable to the national side, particularly in crucial World Cup fixtures. Nevertheless, rushing his return could be detrimental, both for Neymar’s long-term fitness and Brazil’s tactical coherence. By gradually reintegrating him, Ancelotti hopes to maximise Neymar’s contribution when it matters most.
Meanwhile, the March friendlies will serve as a proving ground for younger players in attacking and midfield positions, allowing the team to build depth and tactical flexibility. This approach will ensure that Brazil enter the World Cup with a squad that blends seasoned professionals with emerging talent, ready to compete at the highest level.
Neymar’s absence from the March matches underscores the careful management of elite players in modern football, where balancing recovery, form, and international duty has become increasingly critical.