Brazil: Brazilian footballer Neymar da Silva Santos Jºnior has expressed his frustration after being omitted from the Brazil squad for the March 2026 international break. According to him, he had expected a call-up to join the team as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through friendly matches. However, his absence from the national team has left him dejected and annoyed, considering the effort he has put in.
According to Ghana Web, the former Barcelona superstar indicated that, despite his disappointment, he will continue to work hard and train well in hopes of earning a spot in the final squad. 'I'm upset, sad, about not being called up. But the focus remains day after day, training after training, game after game. We're going to achieve our goal. There's still one final call-up left and the dream lives on. That's it, we're in this together,' Neymar said, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Meanwhile, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that Neymar 'will go to the World Cup if he is 100% fit,' as the player has been grappling with injuries. The country's all-time leading scorer, with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since October 2023, when he tore the ACL and meniscus in his left knee.
The former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star reiterated his desire to compete for Brazil at the World Cup after playing a full match in a 1-1 draw with Corinthians, a game attended by members of Ancelotti's coaching staff. Brazil will face France and Croatia on March 26 in Boston and March 31, 2026, in Orlando, respectively.