Carlo Ancelotti did NOT call Neymar about Brazil squad snub as he explains reason for leaving Santos star out of final 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Neymar is one of several big names to have been overlooked for upcoming 2026 World Cup qualification clashes with Chile and Bolivia. New Selecao boss Ancelotti has made some bold selection calls.

The experienced Italian stands by those decisions, with the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich manager eager to cast an eye over as many players as possible ahead of a bid for global glory in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer.

Ancelotti told reporters of his squad: “It's a list that has changed a little since the first squad. We're not counting on players like Carlos Augusto, Beraldo, Leo Ortiz, Danilo, Andreas Pereira, Gerson, Ederson, Antony, and Vinicius, who aren't in the squad, because my idea is to get to know new players that I don't know well.

“On the technical side, I know all the players and I want to get to know others who can help the team do well. These players who aren't in the squad worked very well in the first squad, and I want to thank them all for that.

“Neymar isn't in this second squad because he had a minor problem last week, but he doesn't need to prove anything. Everyone knows Neymar, the national team, and all the Brazilian fans. Neymar, like everyone else, needs to be in good physical shape to help the team perform well and try to give their best at the World Cup.”

Quizzed on whether he had spoken to Neymar about leaving the 33-year-old out of his plans, Ancelotti added: “I don't need to call them to explain this. If they want, they can call me. Rodrygo (also absent from the list) has my number. I don't know if Neymar has my number, but I think he does.”

Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals to his name, has not represented his country since October 2023 - when he damaged knee ligaments in a meeting with Uruguay and spent 12 months on the sidelines.