Endrick returns while Igor Thiago and Rayan receive first call-ups for friendlies against France and Croatia. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has left Neymar out of the national squad while naming several new faces ahead of upcoming international friendlies against France and Croatia.
Taieb Khatizwal | ASJF News
Credit: FIFA
Among the notable selections, teenage forward Endrick earned a recall, while Igor Thiago, Gabriel Sara and Rayan received their first call-ups to the senior national team.
The matches will serve as Brazil’s final preparations before Ancelotti names his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Neymar, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to play in the upcoming World Cup, has not appeared for Brazil since suffering an ACL injury against Uruguay in 2023. The forward recently returned to action with Santos FC, scoring two goals and providing two assists in four appearances.
Ancelotti said the star forward could still make the final World Cup squad but must regain full fitness.
“If he’s not 100 percent, he won’t be there. If he reaches full condition, he may be called up.”
New Faces
Striker Igor Thiago has been rewarded for a strong season with Brentford FC, scoring 21 goals in 31 matches and emerging as one of the most productive forwards in the Premier League.
Midfielder Gabriel Sara has also impressed, playing a key role for Galatasaray during a standout campaign in the Süper Lig.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old attacker Rayan, who joined AFC Bournemouth earlier this year, has drawn attention with his powerful performances in the Premier League.
Key Friendlies
Brazil will face France on March 26 in Boston before meeting Croatia five days later in Orlando. The two matches will offer Ancelotti a final opportunity to evaluate his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil, the record five-time champions of the tournament, will compete in Group C of the 2026 finals alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.