Neymar Set to Return to Brazil Squad, Vinícius to Be Rested

Sports Desk

Neymar has repeatedly stated that the 2026 World Cup will be his last major tournament with the Brazilian national team, and his focus is now on regaining full fitness for that competition. With the next international break approaching, some Brazilian media outlets are reporting that head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made a major decision regarding his long-awaited return to the Seleção.

Ancelotti has made it clear since taking charge that he wants to include Neymar in his plans for the World Cup. Now back at Santos, the Brazilian forward is slowly building up his fitness and his hard work is set to be rewarded with a call-up to the squad for the upcoming matches.

According to Brazilian outlet G Globo, Neymar is being included in Ancelotti’s initial squad for Brazil’s final two CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers in September. The Seleção will host Chile on September 4 and face Bolivia on September 9, where the national team captain is expected to make his first appearance under Ancelotti.

Ancelotti’s coaching staff were present for Santos’ 3-1 win over Juventus earlier this month, where Neymar impressed with two goals.

The former PSG and Barcelona star was included in Ancelotti’s squad for the June matches, but was forced to withdraw at the last minute due to injury. Now fully fit at Santos and with Brazil’s qualifiers less than a month away, Neymar’s long-awaited return seems closer than ever.

Why Vinicius Junior is not in the Brazil squad this time

Carlo Ancelotti is likely to rest Vinicius Junior for the World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia in September. According to a report by ‘GE Globo’, Vinicius will not be in Brazil’s announced squad for the next two World Cup qualifiers. He made the difference in Brazil’s hard-earned 1-0 win over Paraguay, but he will not be able to play in the next match against Chile at the Maracana after receiving a yellow card in that match. The next match against Bolivia will be at El Alto, at an altitude of 4,100 meters, which is very difficult for the players. So Ancelotti plans to completely rest his star winger.

Brazil’s coaching staff have already sent out FIFA’s mandatory preliminary call-up list, and while Vinicius is not on the list, there are some familiar returning players. Rodrygo, who missed the June matches due to a fitness issue, is expected to be recalled. Eder Militao could also be included.