Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made a bold decision with the Brazilian national team squad for the upcoming friendly matches.
The matches are against France on March 26 at Gillette Stadium and Croatia on April 1st at Camping World Stadium. The squad is very similar to the one that could be taken to the 2026 World Cup.
Ancelotti appears to be heading in a direction that is embracing new ideas. The Italian was appointed manager of the Brazil national team in May 2025 after leaving Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 season. His final match for Madrid was against Real Sociedad.
Neymar snubbed as Ancelotti prioritizes fitness for March friendlies
The biggest topic of discussion is the exclusion of former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar. Fans were shocked at the decision to leave out Neymar.
Ancelotti explained the reason why he didn’t include the 34-year-old winger. He stated, “Neymar can go to the World Cup if he’s 100% fit. I didn’t call Neymar now because he’s not 100%, and we need players who are at their best.
“Neymar has to keep working, playing, and showing his qualities and good physical condition.”
Ancelotti made a difficult decision, leaving out the face of Brazil for over ten years. The Selecao could be slowly preparing for life without their all-time leading goal scorer. The door is not fully closed for Neymar as he could make it to the World Cup.
Aside from Neymar, Brazil will also be without Rodrygo. The 25-year-old winger has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which rules him out of the World Cup.
Igor Thiago leads the new faces in Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad
Brentford striker Igor Thiago is one of the biggest winners from this call-up. The 24-year-old forward has earned his place in the national team after his impressive form this season.
In 32 appearances, Thiago has scored 22 goals in all competitions for Brentford, including 19 goals in the Premier League, making him the second-highest goal scorer in the league after Erling Haaland.
Thiago would add quality to the Brazil team. He is strong and comfortable playing with his back to the goal. His profile reminds the supporters of Adriano and Luis Fabiano.
Thiago’s journey before signing for Brentford in July 2024 for €33 million was remarkable. He scored 19 goals for Ludogorets in 47 appearances.
Additionally, he produced 29 goals in 55 matches for Club Brugge. Thiago could become a key part of Ancelotti’s team if he performs well for Brazil.
Gabriel Sara and Rayan receive call-ups to the Brazil squad
Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara was included in the team. Sara joined the Turkish side in 2024 for a fee of €18 million after developing at Norwich City.
His growth at Galatasaray earned him his first senior opportunity with Brazil. Sara is a versatile midfielder. The 26-year-old can play all positions in midfield, including right midfield.
In addition, he has an eye for goal and is a set-piece specialist. In midfield, Sara will compete with Casemiro, Danilo, Andrey Santos, and Fabinho.
Furthermore, youngster Rayan will also represent Brazil in the friendlies. The 19-year-old attacker moved from Vasco da Gama to Bournemouth in the January transfer window for €28 million.
Rayan is a promising left-footed forward, comfortable playing across the front line. He has two league goals in seven appearances this season.
The matches against France and Croatia are important as they provide opportunities for players to prove themselves before final decisions are made for the World Cup. The matches will attract international attention due to the venues.
Ancelotti’s version of Brazil looks more direct because of his focus on teamwork and less reliance on individual brilliance.