Neymar has spoken out, sharing his feelings after being left out of the Brazil national team, shaking up his chances for the 2026 World Cup.
On 17 March 2026, Neymar, striker for Santos FC, opened up for the first time after being omitted from Brazil's latest national team squad announced by Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the final FIFA international friendlies before the 2026 World Cup in June.
Brazil will play two matches during this FIFA window: against France on 26 March and Croatia on 31 March. However, Carlo Ancelotti did not include Neymar in the 26-man roster, leaving the 34-year-old striker out of the squad since October 2023.
Recently, Neymar gave an interview to MadHouseTV after the Kings League football 7-a-side match, a tournament founded by former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué, sharing his feelings about not making the Brazil squad this time: "I will speak because I cannot remain silent."
"Of course, I am sad and disappointed not to be selected, but my goal remains the same: day after day, training after training, and match after match. We will achieve our goal," Neymar concluded, referring to making Ancelotti's final squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances.
Carlo Ancelotti explained the reason Neymar was left out of the Brazil squad this time and his chances for the 2026 World Cup: "Neymar might still go to the World Cup. Why didn't I call him now? Because he is not yet fully fit, and right now, we need players who are in complete physical condition."
"The final squad list will be a different matter. He must work hard and play continuously to get his body into the best condition."